A year has passed since Valerie, a miniature dachshund, escaped during a visit to Kangaroo Island, Australia. Although she has survived and is still wearing her distinctive pink collar, her elusive nature makes her difficult to reunite with her owners.
Valerie the Elusive Dachshund: Surviving on Kangaroo Island for Over a Year
Valerie the Elusive Dachshund: Surviving on Kangaroo Island for Over a Year
A miniature dachshund, lost on Kangaroo Island, is still alive after a year but remains hard to catch.
In November 2023, a couple brought Valerie to picturesque Kangaroo Island off the coast of Adelaide for a short getaway. However, their plans took a sudden turn when Valerie escaped from her confines and dashed into the surrounding bushland. The frantic couple searched the island for five days, enlisting the help of local residents, but ultimately had to return home to New South Wales without their beloved pet, a heartbreaking experience described by owner Josh Fishlock as “like finding a needle in a haystack.”
Despite the challenges, hope was rekindled recently when Kangala Wildlife Rescue announced that Valerie was spotted alive about 10 miles from her previous location in Stokes Bay, identifiable by her pink collar. Since the initial sighting, attempts to capture her have proven daunting. Locals report that she runs away at the sight of humans or approaching vehicles, making the search efforts increasingly complex.
The wildlife rescue team has implemented various strategies, including surveillance cameras, trapping, and luring techniques, to safely recover the little dog. Despite the vastness of the area and the small size of the dachshund, the team remains optimistic. “We will need help from the public to report any sightings and a lot of luck,” they stated.
During a video update, Kangala team member Jared revealed encouraging news: “We’ve seen her and narrowed the search area down to one specific point.” Valerie’s resilience is evident, given her departure from a cozy home life; her other owner, Georgia Gardner, expressed amazement at her survival, pondering how a typically indoor dog could endure a year outdoors.
Dachshunds are known for their survival instincts, being bred as independent hunters with a spirit that demonstrates bravery and determination. Following the recent sightings, the wildlife rescue team aims to provide updates and hopefully good news regarding Valerie’s safe return to her loving family.
