In a story almost too unbelievable to be true, a miniature dachshund named Valerie has been safely reunited with her owners after being lost for an astonishing 529 days. Her remarkable survival journey, marked by resilience, tireless community efforts, and unwavering hope, has captivated thousands and stands as a testament to love, dedication, and the miracles that persistence can bring.
The Fateful Trip to Kangaroo Island
In November 2023, Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock, a couple from Albury, New South Wales, decided to take a camping trip to the rugged landscapes of Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Accompanying them was their beloved pet, Valerie, a small black dachshund who was more like family than a pet.
During the trip, while the couple headed to a nearby beach, Valerie managed to wriggle out of her pen. When Gardner and Fishlock returned, their worst nightmare had come true—Valerie had vanished.
The couple immediately sprang into action, scouring the surrounding area in search of their missing dog. They spent five long days desperately searching, enlisting the help of almost half of the local community in their efforts. Despite the scale of the search, there were no signs of Valerie. The rugged island terrain and dense vegetation made the search even more challenging.
Heartbroken but not hopeless, Gardner and Fishlock were forced to leave Kangaroo Island and return to the mainland without their beloved companion. For many, this might have been the end—but not for Georgia and Josh.
A Glimmer of Hope
About a month later, Kangala Wildlife Rescue provided the couple with a spark of hope. A local resident had spotted a small black dog wandering through the dry grass, roughly 15 kilometers from the site where Valerie had gone missing. Soon after, photographs began surfacing, clearly showing a dachshund-like figure resembling Valerie.
This discovery reignited the search effort. With renewed determination, Georgia and Josh coordinated with Kangala Wildlife Rescue to track down their missing dog. Traps were set, volunteers mobilized, and a plan was put in place.
Valerie’s movement patterns suggested she frequented specific areas. Volunteers installed motion-sensor cameras and set traps laced with familiar scents, toys, and treats Valerie would recognize. Over time, cameras captured fleeting glimpses of the elusive dog. But each time, capturing her proved a near-impossible task.
5,000 Kilometers, 1,000 Volunteer Hours, and Countless Hopes
Over the following months, the search became one of extraordinary dedication. Volunteers traveled more than 5,000 kilometers and spent over 1,000 volunteer hours attempting to bring Valerie home. Each sighting raised hopes; each near-miss tested everyone’s resolve.
Valerie had entered “survival mode,” a condition well-documented in lost pets where instincts override training and familiarity. She was cautious, hyper-alert, and extremely wary of humans—even those she once trusted deeply.
Realizing traditional trapping methods would not work, Kangala Wildlife Rescue adapted their strategy. They constructed a specialized “rescue site,” complete with a remote-operated trap door. Inside the large dog trap, they recreated a small, comforting environment: Valerie’s bed, her toys, hidden treats, and pieces of clothing soaked in her owners’ familiar scents.
Georgia Gardner even sent down a T-shirt worn during 12-hour shifts and netball games. Volunteers carefully tore it into strips to lay scent trails leading into the trap.
The Emotional Capture
Patience was key. Time and again, Valerie approached the trap but hesitated, avoiding full entry. Wildlife rescuers Jared and Lisa Karran, directors at Kangala Wildlife Rescue, knew they would likely only have one chance to capture her safely without causing further trauma.
Finally, after weeks of monitoring, the perfect moment arrived. Valerie entered the deepest part of the trap, relaxed, and lay down—an indication she was comfortable enough not to bolt.
“We knew we only had pretty much one shot and we wanted to return her to her beautiful owners the best way possible and not cause her any more trauma or stress,” said Lisa Karran in a heartfelt social media update.
At precisely the right moment, the remote system was activated. The trap door closed securely, and Valerie was finally safe after 529 days in the wilderness.
Tears flowed among the volunteers and rescuers. Lisa, wearing remnants of Georgia’s T-shirt, approached Valerie gently, sitting beside her until the little dachshund snuggled into her lap, recognizing the familiar scent and comfort she had long missed.
Surviving Against All Odds
Valerie’s survival story is nothing short of miraculous. Kangaroo Island’s harsh environment posed countless threats. From harsh winters to dry summers, from predators like snakes and eagles to the general scarcity of food, the tiny dachshund defied all odds.
“When you see her, you just think, ‘How, how did you survive that long?’” said Ms. Karran, still in disbelief at the sheer resilience Valerie had shown.
Kangaroo Island, while dangerous, also offered Valerie protection. Its dense bushland and abundant cover provided hiding spots that shielded her from predators and extreme weather, acting as a natural oasis.
Still, her survival was hanging by a thread. “It was only a matter of time before this little girl did eventually pass away… She would definitely have been dead — there’s no way about it. This rescue saved her life,” said Jared Karran.
The Long-Awaited Reunion
Once Valerie was captured, the rescue team allowed her time to decompress. Her mind had locked away many familiar memories while she was in survival mode. The plan, according to Kangala Wildlife Rescue, was to “unlock” those memories gradually.
“We have seen an amazing change in Valerie’s demeanor recently as she begins to remember all those familiar smells, tastes, and sounds,” the team shared.
Finally, after careful preparation, the day of reunion approached. Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock, who had never given up hope, were preparing to reunite with their beloved pet.
Posting emotionally on Facebook, Georgia wrote:
“For anyone who’s ever lost a pet, your feelings are valid. Never give up hope. Sometimes good things happen to good people.”
Her words resonated deeply, not only among friends and family but with pet lovers around the world who followed Valerie’s journey.
A Community’s Triumph
The successful rescue of Valerie was not just a victory for Georgia and Josh but a triumph for the entire community that had rallied around them.
“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,” Kangala Wildlife Rescue posted.
At every stage, from initial sightings to the final capture, the Kangaroo Island community had played a vital role—reporting sightings, providing resources, offering emotional support, and never giving up on the little dog.
“This was one of the most emotional rescues we’ve ever experienced,” said Jared Karran. “We’re just so happy to finally be handing Valerie back to the people who love her most.”
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Valerie
In the coming weeks, Valerie will continue adjusting to domestic life. While the trauma of her long ordeal cannot be erased overnight, her instincts and memories are returning day by day.
The rescue team is confident that, with patience and love, Valerie will fully reintegrate into her old life with Georgia and Josh.
For now, she’s safe, loved, and looking ahead to a future filled with comfort, warmth, and the companionship she fought so hard to find again.
