As Valerie is reunited with her owners, there continues to be ongoing mystery surrounding how the miniature dachshund managed to survive over 500 days in the rugged wilderness of Kangaroo Island while emerging healthy, happy, and larger than before.
Valerie captivated the world’s attention when she was spotted 529 days after going missing on the South Australian island, with people worldwide closely following the story of her capture. Valerie, previously weighing 4kg, put on 1.8kg during her time away, raising questions about her experiences.
Owners Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock, from Albury in New South Wales, initially took Valerie to the South Australian island for a holiday but she escaped and disappeared. The couple has now been reunited with their pet.
Gardner stated that Valerie is “making her little happy sounds, and wiggling around with joy,” and noted that she could barely fit into her old harness. She added, “She’s stockier now, strong and healthy … healthier than we are, honestly.”
Kangala Wildlife Rescue, who initially spotted and later trapped Valerie in March, reported on social media that vets found her in “perfect health.” Considering Valerie’s small size, it is “just unbelievable she was able to survive and thrive out there,” stated Kangala director Jared Karran.
The island’s mayor said locals believe that someone must have been feeding Valerie, while fellow Kangala director Lisa Karran said they are “sure possums or cats out there were grooming her.”
Kangaroo Island has also declared war on feral cats, which kill the native wildlife, including endangered species. Despite multiple sightings of Valerie in camera traps, Kangala finally managed to trap her on April 25 using a cage with a remote trigger.
Local organization Kangala’s efforts to capture Valerie have received significant public attention and raised concerns about her impact on native wildlife on the island.
While many are amazed at Valerie’s survival, others suggest that the publicity focused on the small charity, which is staffed only by volunteers, might be a “money-making exercise.”
Gardner credited Kangala with their genuine care and efforts in capturing Valerie and highlighted the importance of the organization’s work.
Valerie will now return to Albury to continue her life with her beloved “best friend” Lucy, a rescue cat, red heeler Mason, and the family’s new dachshund, Dorothy.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/07/after-braving-the-wilderness-for-500-days-valerie-is-heavier-than-ever-has-someone-been-feeding-the-mini-dachshund
