Miniature Dachshund Evades Capture for Over a Year on Remote Australian Island

A miniature dachshund named Valerie has evaded capture for nearly a year and a half on a remote island in southern Australia. Recent sightings of her in the wild have given rescue workers and island residents hope that they are close to bringing her home.

Valerie’s story has garnered attention, and Jared Karen, a representative from Kangala Wildlife Rescue, shared an optimistic update on the situation through a video on the organization’s social media page.

According to Karen, “Fantastic news off the bat! We have seen her, and we’ve narrowed down the search area to one specific point where we’ve got cameras in place. She’s looking really healthy and from here it’s just little steps to continue to get her pretty comfortable.” These encouraging signs signal a possible resolution to Valerie’s ordeal.

The Princess of the Island

Valerie’s owner, Georgia Gardner, paints a picture of a beloved pet who is anything but a survivalist. “It’s absolutely unbelievable that she has survived out there, honestly,” said Gardner, who described Valerie as an “absolute princess” who prefers the comforts of home. The dachshund enjoys riding in a car seat and adorning pink outfits, and her sudden foray into the wild was completely out of character.

“It’s just insane to think she’s been out there this long, surviving off instincts, probably eating roadkill and drinking water from dams,” Gardner added, expressing disbelief at Valerie’s ability to adapt.

The Disappearance

Valerie went missing on November 13, 2023, while camping with her owners, Georgia Gardner and Joshua Fishlock. After traveling over 1,000 kilometers to Kangaroo Island, the couple encountered trouble just two days into their trip.

“We had taken her to the beach for a swim,” Gardner recalled. “We decided to go for a quick fishing trip, leaving her in her pen with her bed and water along with a snuffle mat filled with treats and a dog toy. We thought she’d be tired after such an eventful day.”

Despite their efforts to secure her, the couple’s planning fell short. Unused to being left alone, Valerie broke free from her pen while they fished just 200 meters away from their campsite.

“She sat under Josh’s car, and some good Samaritans camping nearby became concerned,” Gardner explained. “They attempted to catch her, but instead, they inadvertently chased her into nearby bushland.”

In a frantic effort to locate their lost pet, Gardner and Fishlock spent the next five days hiking and searching the hills and bushland. The experience took a toll, with Gardner recalling the devastation they felt during that time. “We were crying, and we weren’t sleeping or eating very much, and it poured rain the whole time,” she said.

Rescue Attempts and Community Involvement

Desperate to find Valerie, the couple connected with Tangala Wildlife Rescue through a local Facebook page. The organization advised them to set up bait in the form of a roast chicken and a camera in hopes of luring Valerie back. Unfortunately, their attempts proved fruitless.

“Finally, we had to leave the island tasking ourselves with returning to our full-time jobs. Leaving was like looking for a needle in a haystack,” Gardner expressed, highlighting the emotional toll the search took on them.

As they drove home with the haunting knowledge of having one less family member, Gardner described the sorrow they carried. “I remember leaving one of her little toys and some of our clothes where we’d last seen her. While on the ferry, I looked back at the island and just cried,” she shared.

The Year of Hope

Returning home did not extinguish their hope. They learned of potential sightings after Valerie had been missing for a year, prompting Gardner to post yet again on Facebook to garner help from the community.

“Some people reached out to say they had seen her on the island a few times throughout the year,” Gardner mentioned, indicating that Valerie had maintained her presence despite the challenges of survival.

On February 28, another confirmed sighting prompted Kangala Wildlife Rescue to take further action. This time, they had solid leads thanks to community members familiar with Valerie’s whereabouts.

“Because it’s such a small island and a really tight-knit community, they knew the people who had seen her,” Gardner explained. “From there, they created a mission plan to catch her.” Their confidence grew as additional cameras and traps were put in place, with the hopes of bringing Valerie back to her family safely.

Ongoing Rescue Efforts

The dedication of Kangala Wildlife Rescue is evident. They have focused significant time and resources to ensure Valerie’s safe return. As of Thursday, she has been spotted frequently on the installed cameras, indicating she has remained in the area.

“It’s very unlikely that there’s any other sausage dog that’s missing on the island in that area. So, we’re fairly certain it’s her,” Gardner stated, sharing her optimism.

Should Valerie be caught, Gardner and Fishlock are already making plans to reunite with their long-lost pet. They have even set up a donation platform to help fund the rescue efforts.

Valerie’s tale of survival captures the hearts of many, demonstrating the strength of community and the enduring bond between pets and their owners. As rescue efforts continue, hope remains high for a joyful reunion that could finally bring closure to this incredible story of perseverance and love.