In November 2023, Josh Fishlock and Georgia Gardner took their beloved miniature dachshund, Valerie, to the picturesque Kangaroo Island, located off the coast of Adelaide. However, their plans were swiftly altered when Valerie managed to escape her pen and bolted into the bushland, leaving her owners distraught. After five days of searching tirelessly for their pet with the help of local residents, the couple, heartbroken, returned to their home in New South Wales.
As they grappled with their loss, the situation seemed dire. Yet, just over a year later, a glimmer of hope has emerged. Reports confirm that Valerie is alive and has been spotted approximately ten miles from her last known location at Stokes Bay. Distinguishable by her signature pink collar, locals have been actively trying to capture her.
In a recent update from Kangala Wildlife Rescue, a dedicated team working hard to locate Valerie shared that capturing her presents significant challenges. “Valerie tends to run away at any sign of humans or vehicles, making her elusive despite the determined efforts of locals,” they explained. Currently, rescue attempts involve surveillance and various trapping methods, but success has been limited.
On Thursday, a team member named Jared provided an encouraging update via a video message, affirming they have seen her and significantly narrowed down the search area. “Initially skeptical, but sightings kept coming in,” reflected Fishlock on the show “Today.” Gardner also expressed her disbelief, saying, “To think that she’s survived a year and a half is just incredible,” highlighting Valerie's unexpected resilience.
Despite their tiny stature, dachshunds are known for their tenacity and survival instincts. The American Kennel Club notes that while not necessarily built for long distances, these hounds possess an indomitable spirit shaped by their history as independent hunters.
As rescue efforts persist, the community remains hopeful for a positive outcome, eager to bring Valerie safely back to her family.
As they grappled with their loss, the situation seemed dire. Yet, just over a year later, a glimmer of hope has emerged. Reports confirm that Valerie is alive and has been spotted approximately ten miles from her last known location at Stokes Bay. Distinguishable by her signature pink collar, locals have been actively trying to capture her.
In a recent update from Kangala Wildlife Rescue, a dedicated team working hard to locate Valerie shared that capturing her presents significant challenges. “Valerie tends to run away at any sign of humans or vehicles, making her elusive despite the determined efforts of locals,” they explained. Currently, rescue attempts involve surveillance and various trapping methods, but success has been limited.
On Thursday, a team member named Jared provided an encouraging update via a video message, affirming they have seen her and significantly narrowed down the search area. “Initially skeptical, but sightings kept coming in,” reflected Fishlock on the show “Today.” Gardner also expressed her disbelief, saying, “To think that she’s survived a year and a half is just incredible,” highlighting Valerie's unexpected resilience.
Despite their tiny stature, dachshunds are known for their tenacity and survival instincts. The American Kennel Club notes that while not necessarily built for long distances, these hounds possess an indomitable spirit shaped by their history as independent hunters.
As rescue efforts persist, the community remains hopeful for a positive outcome, eager to bring Valerie safely back to her family.
