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.

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.

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.