Valerie the Dachshund’s Incredible Survival Story
A miniature dachshund named Valerie has captured hearts around the world with her remarkable survival story after being lost in the wilds of Australia for over a year. Still wearing her distinctive pink collar, Valerie has proven to be quite the elusive character, defying efforts to recapture her.
The adventure began in November 2023 when Valerie was taken to Kangaroo Island, located off the coast of Adelaide, by her owners, a couple who deeply cherished their pet. Unfortunately, during their stay, Valerie managed to escape from her pen, darting into the bushland, leaving her owners frantic and heartbroken.
Despite their best efforts to locate her, which included a five-day search aided by local residents, the couple ultimately had to abandon their search and return home to New South Wales. “It felt like searching for a needle in a haystack,” recounted Valerie’s owner, Josh Fishlock, during an interview on Australia’s “Today” show.
(For those curious, Kangaroo Island, with its Aboriginal name Karta Pintingga meaning “island of the dead,” is a beautiful yet challenging environment for a lost pet. Given Valerie’s situation, we’ll stick with the familiar name.)
In an unexpected twist, more than a year after Valerie’s disappearance, hope has resurfaced. “Thanks to firsthand accounts and video evidence, we are thrilled to confirm that Valerie is alive,” announced Kangala Wildlife Rescue in a statement on social media last week. She was spotted approximately 10 miles from her original disappearance location in Stokes Bay and was identified by her bright pink collar.
Efforts to rescue Valerie are ongoing but have presented their own challenges. “She tends to flee at the first sign of humans or vehicles, making her incredibly difficult to catch despite the dedicated efforts of local residents,” shared the wildlife rescue organization. “We are employing various surveillance techniques as well as trapping and luring methods in the area where she was last seen. This is a tiny dog in a vast landscape, and we greatly appreciate any public assistance in reporting sightings—along with a good dose of luck.”
On Thursday, a man named Jared, who is part of the Kangala team involved in the rescue mission, provided an encouraging update through a video message: “We have seen her and have successfully narrowed down the search area to a specific location.”
“Initially, we were skeptical about the sightings, but as more reports came in, we started to believe,” Mr. Fishlock shared with “Today.” Valerie’s other owner, Georgia Gardner, expressed her astonishment to The Guardian: “She was never an adventurous dog. The thought of her spending even one night outside in the rain is hard to fathom. It’s incredible to think she has survived for a year and a half.”
While many picture dachshunds as adorable little wiener dogs, this breed possesses remarkable survival instincts. “Though dachshunds aren’t designed for long-distance running, leaping, or strenuous swimming, they are determined and versatile,” notes the American Kennel Club. “Originally bred to hunt dangerous prey, they can exhibit bravery that borders on recklessness.”
As the rescue efforts continue, the wildlife rescue team remains optimistic. “We hope to share an incredible update with all of you soon,” they concluded in their statement.
