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Valerie the Dachshund: A Remarkable Survival Story on Kangaroo Island

In a remarkable tale of resilience, a small dachshund named Valerie has been surviving in the wild for over a year on Kangaroo Island, located off the coast of South Australia. Despite extensive efforts from rescuers to bring her back to safety, the determined canine has managed to avoid capture.

Since she went missing 16 months ago, Valerie has become somewhat of a local legend. She was just one year old when she joined her owners, Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock, on a camping trip to the island. On the second day of their vacation, while the couple went fishing, they placed her in a playpen with food and toys. However, Valerie managed to escape, hiding beneath a parked car. Though nearby campers attempted to rescue her, she fled into the wilderness.

Gardner and Fishlock, heartbroken, searched tirelessly for Valerie before returning to their home in Broken Hill, New South Wales, without her. Initially, they feared for her life, worried about the various dangers present in the bushland, including venomous snakes and predatory wedge-tailed eagles, which pose a threat to smaller animals.

Valerie’s lifestyle prior to her disappearance was far removed from the harshness of the wild. She was accustomed to sleeping in bed with her owners and often wore sweaters in colder weather. Described as “an absolute princess” by Gardner, Valerie was known for her close bond with her family, often accompanying them during outings.

Despite the odds, hopeful news began to emerge about a small dog resembling Valerie, spotted in the vicinity of Stokes Bay, approximately nine miles from where she went missing. This spurred a dedicated effort from volunteers at Kangala Wildlife Rescue, a local nonprofit organization focused on reuniting Valerie with her family. They utilized various strategies, including enticing her with favorite foods and employing video surveillance to monitor her movements.

In a recent social media update, the rescue organization confirmed that Valerie is alive but remains elusive. She has become adept at evading capture, retreating at the first hint of human presence. Given the vast size of the island—approximately 75 times larger than Manhattan—rescuers recognize the challenge ahead and are calling for assistance from the public to report any sightings of the dog.

One of the intriguing aspects of Valerie’s survival is how she managed to cope with the wild environment for such an extended period. Rescuers speculate that she may have been subsisting on roadkill and utilizing natural water sources. While local residents may have provided some assistance, it is likely that Valerie has been mostly surviving on her own. If someone had spotted her, they would likely have noticed her distinctive pink collar.

Experts like Dr. Paul McGreevy, a veterinarian from the University of Sydney, point out the adaptability of dogs. Describing them as “extremely resourceful,” he acknowledges that dogs are skilled opportunists when it comes to survival. Dachshunds, in particular, have a history of being bred as determined hunters, equipped with a tenacious and bold demeanor.

Debbie Farnden, one of the volunteers aiding in the search, is not surprised by Valerie’s ability to endure. With experience raising her own dachshunds, she notes how clever and agile these dogs can be, often adept at avoiding dangers in their environment.

While the search for Valerie continues, her story serves as a testament to the resilience of animals and the lengths to which communities will go to reunite them with their loved ones.

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www.smithsonianmag.com