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After a remarkable 529 days of wandering, Valerie, the miniature dachshund, has been successfully rescued.
This petite wiener dog, recognizable by her pink collar, vanished in November 2023 when she escaped from her enclosure at a beach on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, and ventured into the nearby Stokes Bay bushland.
Her owners, along with local volunteers and the team at Kangala Wildlife Rescue, dedicated five exhaustive days to searching for Valerie. Ultimately, they had to return home to New South Wales, uncertain of her fate.
Valerie’s disappearance quickly gained an international following, as numerous sightings of her were reported in the months following her escape, capturing the hearts of many who were eager for updates.
Kangala Wildlife Rescue confirmed her safe recovery on their Facebook page, revealing that a well-worn T-shirt belonging to Valerie’s owner played a crucial role in luring her back. Lisa Karran, a director at Kangala, explained in a video that they used strips from the shirt to create a scent trail leading towards a trap designed for Valerie.
Karran noted that the trap was enticingly prepared with toys, bedding, food, and additional items from her owners. As Valerie explored the area, her natural curiosity led her to the cage, allowing the team to remotely secure the door once she was inside.
Understanding that Valerie might be anxious after her extended time in the wild, Karran donned the now “tatty” shirt and slowly approached the dog, taking cues from Valerie’s body language to ensure a calm reunion.
The dog regained trust and eventually nestled comfortably in Karran’s lap, a heartwarming moment captured by the rescue team.
Valerie made headlines last month when she was spotted on surveillance footage wearing her pink collar, more than 500 days post-disappearance. Despite skepticism regarding her survival, reports of a dachshund with a pink collar began streaming in, indicating she had been spotted about 15 kilometers from her last known location in Stokes Bay.
In one encouraging report, Kangala staff noted a sighting on March 27 that enabled them to consolidate their search area. They set up feeding stations and installed cameras to monitor Valerie’s movements, confirming that she appeared healthy and well.
Since her recovery, Valerie has been receiving care focused on rebuilding her trust and strength. Karran mentioned that favorite dishes, like roast chicken and her preferred dog food, were part of the initial meals to reassure her that she was safe.
To prevent another escape, Valerie is now outfitted with a specialized “escape-proof” harness. While her journey back to her delighted owners is imminent, the team at Kangala is providing her with necessary time for relaxation and adjustment after her long ordeal.
“We want to ensure her return to her loving family is as smooth as possible, minimizing any additional stress or trauma,” Karran emphasized, acknowledging the challenges Valerie likely faced during her time alone in the wilderness.
Source
globalnews.ca