Miniature Dachshund Survives 529 Days in the Australian Wilderness

Rescue efforts involved extensive planning, a specially-equipped trap, and a scent trail created from her owner’s clothing.

A remarkable tale of survival has emerged from the picturesque Kangaroo Island, Australia, where a miniature dachshund named Valerie has been found alive after spending 529 harrowing days lost in the wilderness. The rescue operation, led by Kangala Wildlife Rescue, involved diligent volunteers who gave over 1,000 hours to locate the spirited pup after she vanished during a camping trip in November 2023.

Valerie's owners, Georgia Gardner and her boyfriend Joshua Fishlock, had left her in a playpen while they went fishing, only to return and find her missing. The team at Kangala worked tirelessly to create a “scent trail” using Ms. Gardner's t-shirt leading to a strategically-placed trap, hoping to lure Valerie back to safety.

The rescue organization shared on social media that their team covered over 5,000 kilometers during the search, utilizing surveillance cameras and a trap fitted with a remote-controlled door, stocked with food, familiar items, and even some of Valerie's own toys to increase the chances of success.

Kangala director Lisa Karran personally approached the trapped Valerie wearing remnants of Georgia's clothing to calm her down, ensuring that she would not attempt to escape. Initial attempts to find her saw other campers catch sight of Valerie, but she fled into the bush when startled.

As reports filtered in from locals about a dog with a pink collar resembling Valerie’s, the hope of finding her grew. Jared Karran, another director of Kangala, commented on the improbability of a miniature dog surviving in the wild: “Of all dogs, that would be the last one I would say would survive out there.”

A heartwarming social media post from Georgia after Valerie’s rescue shared her relief, encouraging those dealing with the loss of a pet to remain hopeful, saying, "Sometimes good things happen to good people."