A runaway dachshund named Valerie has been successfully captured after a staggering 529-day escapade, captivating the hearts of Australians as she traversed an island populated by kangaroos, possums, koalas, and even penguins.
This diminutive canine had eluded her pursuers on Kangaroo Island since November 2023, occasionally appearing in fleeting glimpses caught by nocturnal cameras, revealing her distinctive pink collar.
“Valerie has been safely rescued and is alive and thriving,” announced the wildlife organization that undertook the search for the clever dog on this southern Australian haven, reported late Friday.
“We are absolutely exhilarated and profoundly relieved that Valerie is now safe and ready to reunite with her adoring owners,” Kangala Wildlife Rescue shared on social media.
Valerie’s adventurous journey commenced during a camping trip with her owners, Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock, when she dashed from her enclosure into the wilderness.
Her owners, after exhaustive days scouring the vast expanse of over 4,400 square kilometers (1,700 square miles), eventually lost hope of finding her amidst the intricate network of farms, nature reserves, and rugged cliffs.
Initially, sightings of the elusive mutt dwindled, leading many to doubt her survival. However, local residents and video footage began indicating her presence, prompting volunteers to embark on a patient quest to locate her, despite her tendency to shy away from both people and vehicles.
“Valerie appears to be nearly impossible to trap,” wildlife responders lamented on social media last month.
In their quest, volunteers dedicated over 1,000 hours, traversing more than 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles) while setting up cameras, traps, and lures.
Regular online updates kept the public engaged, instilling hope as they appeared to be gradually closing in on Valerie.
Surveillance footage revealed her frequenting a trap site, which was equipped with a cage, blankets, and toys, although the area also attracted local possums.
Following her capture, Kangala Wildlife Rescue announced a brief intermission to reflect on this incredible outcome.
Despite their petite size, dachshunds are described as “game for anything” by the American Kennel Club, as they have been bred to be independent hunters of formidable prey, displaying a bravery that sometimes borders on recklessness, coupled with a hint of stubbornness.
In a heartfelt social media message, owner Gardner expressed her profound gratitude to the volunteers who aided in recovering Valerie.
“For anyone who has ever lost a pet, your feelings are entirely valid; never lose hope.”
Vocabulary List:
- Escapade /ˌɛs.kəˈpeɪd/ (noun): An exciting adventure or incident often involving some degree of risk.
- Exhilarated /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪd/ (adjective): Feeling very happy animated or elated.
- Elusive /ɪˈluːsɪv/ (adjective): Difficult to find catch or achieve.
- Intermission /ˌɪn.təˈmɪʃ.ən/ (noun): A pause or break during an event.
- Bravery /ˈbreɪ.və.ri/ (noun): The quality of being courageous and facing danger.
- Stubbornness /ˈstʌb.ɚ.nəs/ (noun): The quality of being determined not to change one’s opinion or chosen course of action.
