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Missing Dachshund Found Alive on Kangaroo Island

A miniature dachshund that disappeared over 16 months ago on Kangaroo Island in South Australia has been confirmed alive, sparking amazement among search teams and wildlife experts. The little dog, named Valerie, has shown remarkable tenacity in evading those desperately trying to locate her.

Prior to her disappearance in November 2023, Valerie weighed less than 4kg, donned a pink collar, and was known for her close bond with her owner, Georgia Gardner. Gardner and her partner, Josh Fishlock, were vacationing on the scenic island when Valerie managed to escape from her enclosure at their Stokes Bay campsite, fleeing into the surrounding bushland.

Despite extensive search efforts by Gardner and Fishlock, aided by local residents, Valerie was not seen again for many months. It was only about a year later that sightings of her emerged through social media, prompting Kangala Wildlife Rescue to join in the effort.

The organization confirmed on its Facebook page that they had reliable evidence of Valerie’s survival, noting that she tends to flee at the sight of humans or vehicles. Unfortunately, this behavior has complicated the search, with reports indicating Valerie was last spotted approximately 15 kilometers from her original escape point.

Kangala Wildlife Rescue has now set up a network of traps, equipped with cameras, to lure Valerie out of the expansive area she has been navigating. Gardner expressed disbelief at the news of Valerie’s sightings, admitting that even with updates, they were hesitant to let hope fully set in. However, recent photographic evidence and the professionalism of the rescue team have reignited their optimism for Valerie’s safe return.

Gardner reflected on Valerie’s incredible survival skills, indicating that she initially thought the little dog might have found refuge with other animals or even been taken in by someone. “We didn’t think she could withstand the outdoor elements,” Gardner said, emphasizing Valerie’s history as a primarily indoor pet.

Jared Karran, a director at Kangala, shared his astonishment at Valerie’s endurance in the wilderness, speculating that she may have survived on a diet of roadkill and drinking from dams. Some experts believe that local residents might have provided her some assistance, yet Paul McGreevy from the University of Sydney pointed out the natural resourcefulness of dogs. He noted that even though dachshunds are not typically suited for the Australian bush, they possess instincts that may help them find food and shelter.

McGreevy explained that while Valerie could potentially survive by eating small animals or carrion, her being kept alive by a human would beg the question of why her distinctive pink collar had not led to her being spotted sooner. In Australia’s wild areas, most “wild dogs” are actually native dingoes or their hybrids, presenting ongoing challenges for wildlife management and control.

Source
www.theguardian.com