Rescue Mission: Find Valerie the Wayward Wiener Dog!

Valerie, the Wayward Wiener, Spotted Alive and Well After 16 Months

In November 2023, a camping trip on Kangaroo Island took a heartbreaking turn for young couple Josh and Georgia when their miniature Dachshund, Valerie, went missing. Despite their exhaustive search efforts, Valerie remained elusive, leaving her owners devastated and mourning her presumed loss. However, recent sightings by locals and visitors have brought new hope, with wildlife cameras capturing footage of a surprisingly healthy-looking Valerie.

A Miracle of Survival in the Wilderness

Valerie's survival in the wild for over 16 months is nothing short of miraculous. Weighing less than 9 lbs, the tiny pup has defied the odds with her ability to thrive in the wilderness of Kangaroo Island. Speculations abound on how she has sustained herself, with some suggesting that kind locals and tourists may have left out food for her, while others believe she has been tapping into her hunting instincts. Despite her pampered reputation, Dachshunds were originally bred as hunting dogs, a trait that Valerie seems to be drawing upon in her quest for survival.

The Challenges of Rescuing Valerie

While the confirmation of Valerie's survival has brought joy to her owners and admirers, attempts to rescue her have been met with resistance. Volunteers have tirelessly worked to coax, herd, or trap the elusive Dachshund, but she remains elusive, even ignoring the calls of her owners upon their return to the island. Despite the challenges, the community remains hopeful that Valerie's wild escapade will soon come to an end, reuniting her with her loving family.

Supporting Valerie's Rescue Efforts

To aid in the ongoing rescue efforts for Valerie, a fund has been set up by Kangala Wildlife Rescue, a local non-profit dedicated to animal welfare. Donations can be made through their website, and supporters can follow Valerie's story and contribute to Kangala's volunteer-run initiatives. Stay connected with updates on Valerie's journey by subscribing to Dogster.com.

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All images courtesy of Kangala Wildlife Rescue