Despite the odds, Valerie, the lost dachshund, shows resilience as search teams close in on her after numerous sightings.
Dachshund Valerie's Year-Long Odyssey on Kangaroo Island: Hope Rekindled

Dachshund Valerie's Year-Long Odyssey on Kangaroo Island: Hope Rekindled
After a year of wild adventures, a dachshund named Valerie is still roaming Kangaroo Island, tantalizing rescuers and locals alike.
The incredible saga of Valerie, a miniature dachshund, continues as she remains elusive on Kangaroo Island, Australia, nearly a year after she first escaped from her owners. The 2023 incident occurred when she darted away during a family visit to the picturesque island, known for its diverse wildlife. Despite extensive searches, her owners were forced to leave without her, leaving behind a community rallying for her safe return.
Recently, hopeful news emerged from Kangala Wildlife Rescue, which announced that Valerie, still identifiable by her signature pink collar, was spotted near Stokes Bay. “We now know that Valerie is alive,” the organization confirmed, citing multiple eyewitness reports that have reignited the search effort. However, capturing the adventurous dog has proven to be a difficult task. Rescuers reported that she consistently flees at the first sight of humans, which challenges their recovery attempts.
To bring her home safely, authorities are implementing surveillance strategies along with luring methods. “This is a small dog within an expansive territory, and we encourage the public to report any sightings,” they stated, urging the community to assist in the rescue plan.
A significant breakthrough came when a team member named Jared revealed in a recent video update that they had pinpointed a critical location from which Valerie was last seen. Meanwhile, her owner, Josh Fishlock, expressed cautious optimism, stating that the increase in sightings of Valerie has transformed initial skepticism into hope.
Owner Georgia Gardner shared her disbelief and admiration for her resilient pet, who traditionally prefers the comforts of home: “To think that she’s out there for over a year is just incredible.” While dachshunds may not be the most athletic, their breed characteristics include a strong survival instinct, contributing to Valerie’s ability to endure.
Kangaroo Island’s diverse landscape poses both challenges and opportunities for Valerie, raising hopes that she might soon reunite with her concerned family. The rescue team remains determined to keep the public informed with updates, aiming for “an amazing outcome” in this gripping tale of survival and perseverance.