Miniature Dachshund Valerie Found Safe After 529 Days Lost on Kangaroo Island
A heartwarming reunion is on the horizon after Valerie, a miniature dachshund missing for over 500 days on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island, was safely recovered by wildlife rescuers.
The beloved pet disappeared more than a year and a half ago, prompting a determined campaign by Kangala Wildlife Rescue, whose volunteers devoted over 1,000 hours and travelled 5,000 kilometres in search of her.
Valerie was found last week, with rescuers confirming she is safe and in good health. Her owners, Georgia Gardner and Josh, were overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing the news. Georgia took to social media to express her gratitude and to remind others never to give up hope on lost pets.
The rescue team described their efforts as a “rollercoaster,” explaining how Valerie had gone into “survival mode,” making her capture challenging. To lure her into a specially designed trap, they used scent trails, her favourite toys, her bed, and even pieces of her owner’s worn clothing — a T-shirt Georgia wore for long shifts and games of netball.
The trap was equipped with a remote trigger system, allowing rescuers to capture Valerie safely once she was in the optimal position. After her capture, she was comforted with familiar smells and gentle care.
Kangala Wildlife Rescue praised the local community, partner organisations, and their dedicated volunteers for the successful mission, saying Valerie’s survival through extreme conditions — from predators to harsh weather — was nothing short of a miracle.
Valerie will spend some time decompressing with the team before being reunited with her owners in the coming days. The rescue group called the operation a true testament to perseverance, teamwork, and compassion.
“She’s doing really, really well,” said Kangala co-director Jared Karran. “We’re just thrilled to have her safe and soon back with her family.”
