After 529 days of survival in the Kangaroo Island wilderness, Valerie the dachshund has been reunited with her owners, Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock. 

The canine’s extended solo adventure began during a camping trip in November 2023, and hopes of finding her dwindled until a remote camera captured a distinctive wink in March, reigniting the search effort. 

This prompted Kangala Wildlife Rescue to initiate a plan, using familiar scents and food to entice the elusive dog. 

Just a few weeks later, the daring sausage dog was caught.

“By the time we got to the trap site it was a very nervous drive to make sure she’d stayed in the trap,” Jared Karran from Kangala Wildlife said.

The reunion was emotional. 

“I bawled my eyes out when she came running up to me. She came up and she licked me straight in the face and I was like oh god,” Gardner said.

“It was incredible to finally have her back in our hands and back on our lap and giving her a big belly rub that we’ve been missing,” Fishlock added.

The mystery of Valerie’s survival remains unsolved. 

“I don’t think anyone will know that, that will be a secret she takes to the grave,” Fishlock said.