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2w ago

Dachshund Valerie Reunited with Owners After 529 Days in Kangaroo Island Wilderness

The miniature dachshund, found in perfect health after surviving predators and rugged terrain, has returned to her family as questions linger about her extraordinary survival.

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Valerie the dachshund has been reunited with her owners.
In a moment that will have tails wagging, Valerie the dachshund has finally been reunited with her owners after spending 529 days on the run.

Overview

  • Valerie, a miniature dachshund, survived 529 days in the wild on Kangaroo Island after escaping her pen in November 2023.
  • The rescue operation, led by Kangala Wildlife Rescue, involved 1,000 volunteer hours, 5,000 km of travel, and advanced tracking techniques to capture Valerie on April 25, 2025.
  • A veterinary examination revealed Valerie was in perfect health and had gained 1.8 kg during her time in the wilderness.
  • Her owners, Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock, expressed overwhelming emotion during their reunion, describing the moment as surreal and euphoric.
  • Speculation persists among locals and experts about how Valerie sustained herself, with theories ranging from scavenging roadkill to receiving help from humans or native wildlife.