In a heartwarming and incredible turn of events, a sausage dog named Valerie has been rescued after surviving alone for 529 days on Kangaroo Island in southern Australia.
A Long Wait for a Sign of Life
Valerie, a miniature dachshund, made her escape during a camping trip with her owners, Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock, in November 2023.
The tiny dog darted out of her pen and ran into the bush, disappearing into the vast landscape of Kangaroo Island, a remote area that spans over 4,400 square kilometers.
Despite the best efforts of her owners to locate her, the search proved fruitless, and they were eventually forced to give up, with little hope of finding Valerie alive.
For over a year, Valerie remained missing, and as time passed, the chances of survival seemed slim. Many feared that the dog had perished in the harsh environment.
However, a breakthrough came when local sightings began to trickle in, and video footage of Valerie with her pink collar surfaced. “Valerie seems impossible to trap,” the wildlife rescue team shared in a social media post.
The search was taken up by Kangala Wildlife Rescue, a dedicated wildlife group, who spent months tracking Valerie’s movements.
According to Science Alert, volunteers worked tirelessly, investing over 1,000 hours and driving more than 5,000 kilometers in the pursuit of the wandering dog.
Valerie the sausage dog was miraculously found alive after spending more than a year and a half running wild around Kangaroo Island in South Australia.#valeriethesausagedog #sausagedog #dachshund #kangarooisland #southaustralia #missingdog #lostdog #dog #puppy #sunriseon7… pic.twitter.com/pOm2111OOh
— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) April 27, 2025
They used cameras, traps, and lures to attempt to lure her back, with Valerie occasionally appearing on local surveillance cameras.
A New Hope Emerges
after several weeks of carefully laid traps and constant surveillance, Valerie was spotted consistently visiting a trap site that had been set up with food, blankets, and toys.
Despite the presence of local possums, Valerie seemed to frequent the area. Her movements were captured on black-and-white video.
The rescue team’s efforts paid off when they successfully captured Valerie. “Valerie has been safely rescued and is alive and well,” Kangala Wildlife Rescue shared with immense joy and relief.
Volunteers took a moment to “process this amazing result,” acknowledging the effort and dedication that had gone into the search for the dog.
Valerie’s Strength and Resilience
Dachshunds are known for their courageous nature, often described as “game for anything.”
Bred originally to hunt small game, these dogs are known for their stubbornness and bravery, qualities that likely helped Valerie navigate her harsh environment.
Despite her small size, Valerie’s survival on the island—home to various wildlife such as kangaroos, koalas, and penguins—was a testament to the resilience of her breed.
Georgia Gardner, Valerie’s owner, expressed her gratitude to the rescue team and volunteers who made the reunion possible.
“For anyone who’s ever lost a pet, your feelings are valid and never give up hope,” she wrote on social media, sharing a message of hope and perseverance for others in similar situations.
Two nights since her legendary capture, Kangala Wildlife Rescue’s directors and volunteers have revealed how Valerie the sausage dog is faring 🐕
👉 Read more: https://t.co/4OjTTj2rDd pic.twitter.com/skD2ebT16e
— The Advertiser (@theTiser) April 27, 2025
The rescue of Valerie also highlighted the power of community efforts and the deep bond between animals and their owners.
