Miniature Dachshund Found Safe After Surviving 529 Days In The Australian Wilderness

April 28, 2025

Today's good news story comes from Kangaroo Island, Australia.

In an incredible story of survival and resilience, a miniature dachshund named Valerie has been found alive after spending more than 500 days lost in the Australian wilderness.

missing dog found dachshund
Credit: Kangala Wildlife Rescue

Valerie disappeared in November 2023 during a camping trip with her owners, Georgia Gardner and Joshua Fishlock. The couple had momentarily left her in a playpen while they went fishing, only to return and discover she had vanished. Despite an intensive search with the help of locals, Valerie remained missing, sparking a long and emotional rescue effort. Kangala Wildlife Rescue led the mission to find Valerie, dedicating more than 1,000 volunteer hours and covering over 5,000 kilometers in their search. Using surveillance cameras, scent trails made from Ms. Gardner’s t-shirts, and traps stocked with Valerie’s toys and clothing, rescuers worked tirelessly to bring her home. “After weeks of tireless efforts [...] Valerie has been safely rescued and is fit and well,” Kangala Wildlife Rescue shared in a celebratory post on social media.

@kangala_rescue Kangala Wildlife Rescue Celebrate The Successful Capture Of Everyone's Favorite Miniture Dachshund, Valerie! 🎉🙌♥️ Kangala Wildlife Rescue is overjoyed to announce the successful rescue of Valerie, the miniture dachshund who went missing on Kangaroo Island 529 days ago.🥲♥️ After weeks of tireless efforts by Kangala Wildlife Rescue volunteers and partner organisations Valerie, has been safely rescued and is fit and well. 💚🐾💚 We are absolutely thrilled and deeply relieved that Valerie is finally safe and able to begin her transition back to her loving parents, Josh and Georgia.💚💚 This rescue was a true testament to the dedication and perseverance of our team, the unwavering support of the community, and the power of collaboration.♥️ There were many challenging moments over the past month, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who played a part in bringing Valerie home. The search for Valerie involved over 1000 volunteer hours and more than 5000 km travelled by volunteers in their private vehicles, the deployment and monitoring of numerous cameras and traps and the use of various pieces of technology to successfully secure Valerie while ensuring her physical psychological welfare. Kangala Wildlife Rescue would like to thank all those who offered their time, resources, and support during this demanding operation. 🙌😍💚 This successful outcome highlights the vital role that wildlife rescue organisations play in our community, extending their expertise and compassion to all animals in need. Valerie's story is a reminder that hope and determination can lead to incredible results. The Kangala team are currently taking a short pause to process this amazing result and gather ourselves after the intense rescue efforts. We are excited to share further details about Valerie's rescue, including footage and photographs, very soon. Please stay tuned to our social media channels for updates.🐾💚 Kangala Wildlife Rescue is a volunteer-run Not-for-profit charity established in 2020 during the devastating black summer bushfires, Our daily mission is to provide help to the wildlife of Kangaroo Island by supporting sick, injured and orphaned & animals in need, through a 24/7 rescue service, rescue centre and our sanctuary facilities. We also support other carers, animals in need and charities Australia wide.🐾💚 Our small charity and volunteers would be incredibly grateful to anyone wishing to support our work and allow us to conduct vital rescues like Valerie's in the future.💚 If you would like to assist please visit www.kangalawildliferescue.com Media Enquiries: media.kangalarescue@gmail.com #catchingvalerie #kangarooisland #animalrescue #dogsoftiktok #animallovers #australiia #nevergiveup #animalshelter #kindnessmatters #charity #lostdogs #dachshund #valerie ♬ We Did It - Doggyland

One key moment in the rescue involved Lisa Karran, a Kangala director, wearing clothing scented with Ms. Gardner’s scent as she approached the cautious dog after she had been trapped. Karran patiently sat with Valerie until she was calm enough to be safely secured.

The rescue wasn't without setbacks. In the early days after Valerie's disappearance, other campers spotted her hiding under a car, but she was frightened off into the dense bushland. Months later, locals reported sightings of a pink collar matching Valerie’s, rekindling hope.

"Of all dogs, that would be the last one I would say would survive out there, but they do have a good sense of smell," said Jared Karran, another director at Kangala Wildlife Rescue.

In a heartfelt 15-minute video, the Karrans detailed the painstaking process of capturing Valerie safely. “She went right into the back corner, which is where we wanted her. I pressed the button and thankfully it all worked perfectly,” Mr. Karran explained.

Georgia Gardner also shared a message of hope after the emotional reunion: "For anyone who's ever lost a pet, your feelings are valid and never give up hope. Sometimes good things happen to good people."

Valerie’s story quickly captured hearts around the world, with major news outlets like The New York Times and The Independent covering her remarkable survival. Residents of Kangaroo Island, known for its rugged beauty and wildlife, were amazed that a tiny dachshund could survive extreme heat, dangerous snakes, and the island’s remote wilderness for so long.

"Kangaroo Island is known for many things ... dogs that survive for 500 days is not what you expect," said island resident Louise Custance.

Thanks to the dedication of the volunteers and the unwavering hope of her owners, Valerie’s journey has become a global reminder that even in the wildest circumstances, hope can prevail.

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