We only share good news here: happy, hopeful stories for pet lovers.
- Who: Valerie, a small dachshund
- Where: Kangaroo Island, South Australia
- Lost for: 529 days
- Happy ending: found safe and well by the Kangala Wildlife Rescue team, with her owners on their way
Valerie the dachshund is found after 529 days lost on Kangaroo Island
In November 2023, Josh Fishlock and Georgia Gardner were camping on Kangaroo Island with their dachshund Valerie when she slipped away from the campsite. After an extensive search, the couple had to accept the worst and headed home believing she was gone for good.
Then, about a year later, locals began reporting something remarkable: a small dachshund in a pink collar, trotting around the island. Jared and Lisa Karran of Kangala Wildlife Rescue took up the challenge. Over more than 1,000 hours and 3,000 miles (roughly 4,800 km) they set up cameras and traps, and laid a scent trail of toys and a shirt the owners had worn for 12 hours at a time, so Valerie would recognise a familiar smell.
It worked. Valerie was lured into a large cage, and then came the gentlest part of the rescue: Lisa and the team stepped in one at a time, sitting quietly until the little dog relaxed and settled in their laps.
The news was announced late on Friday 25 April 2025. Valerie was "decompressing" in the rescuers' care, with the plan to return her to her owners, who were travelling from New South Wales, within about a week. After 529 days, that is a very big cuddle waiting to happen.
Video: ABC News.
Chill Wag tip of the fortnight
Valerie's story is a great reminder to keep your pet's microchip details current (a quick call or online update does it) and to make sure their collar carries a tag with your phone number. Camping with a curious dog? A short lead or a secure tie-out at the campsite means fewer wanderings, and a leak-proof water bottle with a built-in bowl keeps them happily hydrated by your side.
More happy reading
Sources: ABC News and Kangala Wildlife Rescue reports (April 2025), summarised in our own words.
This roundup is general information, not veterinary advice.