After more than a year of uncertainty, Valerie, a miniature dachshund who vanished on Kangaroo Island in South Australia, has finally been rescued. The dog’s disappearance captured global attention, and the search for her ended with an unexpected twist: a t-shirt worn by her owner played a critical role in bringing her home.
Valerie’s disappearance occurred in November 2023, during a camping trip with her owners, Josh Fishlock and Georgia Gardner. When Valerie fled into the island’s dense wilderness, their attempts to coax her out failed, and they were forced to return home. For months, it was feared that the dog might have fallen victim to local predators, such as snakes or the large Rosenberg’s goanna.
However, sightings of Valerie began to surface, sparking hope that she was still alive. A massive search operation was launched by Kangala Wildlife Rescue, a non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife rescue, particularly after the Australian bushfires of 2020. Volunteers used various tracking methods, including surveillance and traps, but the dense environment of Kangaroo Island, teeming with wildlife, made the search challenging.
What ultimately led to Valerie’s capture was a simple yet innovative strategy: a smelly t-shirt. Kangala Wildlife Rescue directors, Jared and Lisa Karran, explained how they used the worn t-shirt, which had been worn in 12-hour shifts by Valerie’s owner, to create a scent trail. Strips of the t-shirt were placed along the path leading to a trap, drawing Valerie closer.
Lisa Karran, who wore the now “tatty” t-shirt, sat quietly inside the trap. Eventually, Valerie, who had been skittish and defensive, approached and allowed herself to be comforted. “It was amazing,” Lisa Karran shared. “She came up, sniffed us, and then calmed down completely, snuggling in our laps.”
Once trapped, Valerie, exhausted from her ordeal, entered a crate and fell asleep. Jared Karran recounted, “After the gate closed, she looked around for an exit, but then just settled in and took a nap.”
After 529 days in the wild, Valerie’s journey had come to a peaceful end. The rescuers reported that Valerie is now in the process of decompressing and will soon be reunited with her owners for a more tranquil life on the mainland.
Despite the challenges and some criticisms from the public, including accusations that the search was prolonged for fundraising purposes, the dedication of the Kangala Wildlife Rescue team proved vital. They highlighted the difficulty of rescuing a tiny dog in such a vast, wildlife-rich area and the importance of community support.
Valerie’s rescue is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and the strong bond between pets and their owners.
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