Overview
- Valerie, a miniature dachshund, was reunited with her owners Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock on May 6, 2025, after 529 days lost on Kangaroo Island, South Australia.
- Captured by Kangala Wildlife Rescue on April 25, 2025, Valerie was found in excellent health, having gained 1.8 kg during her time in the wilderness.
- The rescue operation involved 1,000 volunteer hours, 5,000 km of travel, and advanced tracking methods, including scent lures and remote-triggered traps.
- Questions remain about how Valerie survived, with speculation ranging from scavenging roadkill to possible human intervention, as her condition appeared unusually robust.
- Valerie is preparing for her return to Albury, New South Wales, where she will meet new pets and transition back to domestic life with the help of a raw food diet and behaviorist support.