{"id":1015,"date":"2025-04-25T19:40:15","date_gmt":"2025-04-25T19:40:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/firearmgiveawayfinder.com\/?p=1015"},"modified":"2025-04-25T19:40:15","modified_gmt":"2025-04-25T19:40:15","slug":"wiener-dog-lost-on-rugged-island-for-529-days-is-safe-after-1000-hours-of-searching-rescue-says","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/firearmgiveawayfinder.com\/?p=1015","title":{"rendered":"Wiener Dog Lost on Rugged Island for 529 Days Is Safe After 1,000 Hours of Searching, Rescue Says"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div data-article-body=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"mb-4\">\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Valerie, an 8-pound dachshund who went missing in November 2023 while on vacation with her owners, has been safely rescued<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Valerie evaded capture for 529 days, surviving on Australia&#8217;s Kangaroo Island\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>It took a rescue group over 1,000 hours covering more than 3,000 miles to save the elusive pet<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Valerie the dachshund is officially safe and sound after an unplanned adventure that lasted well over a year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The 8-pound dog <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/lost-dachshund-valerie-survives-rugged-island-still-missing-11704330\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:went missing on the rugged Kangaroo Island;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">went missing on the rugged Kangaroo Island<\/a> in Australia in November 2023 while on vacation with her owners. After a 529-day search, the pup is finally safe and back in human care.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;After weeks of tireless efforts by Kangala Wildlife Rescue volunteers and partner organizations, Valerie has been safely rescued and is fit and well,&#8221; the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/share\/v\/1DNthc2ZsQ\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Kangala Wildlife Rescue organization shared alongside a video;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Kangala Wildlife Rescue organization shared alongside a video<\/a> of Valerie post-rescue. &#8220;We are absolutely thrilled and deeply relieved that Valerie is finally safe and able to begin her transition back to her loving parents, Josh and Georgia.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The daring dog went viral after the Kangala Wildlife Rescue <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/accounts\/login\/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fp%2FDHgp039BwJQ%2F%3Fhl%3Den&amp;is_from_rle\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:posted about the then-missing pup back in March;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">posted about the then-missing pup back in March<\/a>. At the time, the rescue shared that they had been searching for Valerie for months, ever since she escaped from her owners, Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock, while the family was visiting Kangaroo Island in November 2023.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">After Valerie initially went missing, her owners and helpful locals searched for the pet for days. Gardner and Fishlock eventually had to return home, but Kangala Wildlife Rescue volunteers and others, moved by the dog&#8217;s story, continued the search.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;No one thought a little dachshund like Valerie would survive alone in the wild, but more than 12 months after she went missing, regular reports started coming in about a dachshund with a pink collar being seen about 15 kilometres from Stokes Bay,&#8221; Kangala wrote in a March social media post about the pooch&#8217;s perdicament. &#8220;Based on firsthand accounts and video evidence, we now know that Valerie is alive. She runs at the first sign of humans or vehicles, and despite the best efforts of dedicated Island locals, Valerie has been impossible to catch.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<p>Kangala Wildlife Rescue\/Facebook<\/p>\n<p> Valerie was located and rescued by the Kangala Wildlife Rescue.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Never miss a story \u2014 sign up for<a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/people-news-daily-newsletter-sign-up-8692701\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:PEOPLE's free daily newsletter;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"> PEOPLE&#8217;s free daily newsletter<\/a> to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer\u200b\u200b, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Kangaroo Island is Australia&#8217;s third-largest island, located at the southern base of the continent.\u00a0It&#8217;s known for its untouched terrain and impressive wildlife, including kangaroos, sea lions, and koalas.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">After a rash of Valerie sightings in 2025, the Kanagla rescue team embarked on new efforts to return the dog to her pet parents. They spent over 1,000 hours of volunteer time, traveled over 3,000 miles, and shared regular updates on Valerie&#8217;s sightings on their Facebook page.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In recent weeks, the team began tracking Valerie&#8217;s movement patterns and setting up ways to lure her into a safe and secure rescue location filled with treats and her toys from home. The team had several close calls trying to bring her in, including one instance when Valerie came into the rescue site only to find a group of possums chowing down on her treats, which caused her to leave before volunteers could capture her. Eventually, the plan was a success.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Kangala Wildlife Rescue\/Facebook Valerie's rescue took more than 1,000 volunteer hours and spanned more than 3,000 miles.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/XfkR5_PkgLLduBufg6QboQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/people_218\/12090e994dae158500b741f227277259\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<p>Kangala Wildlife Rescue\/Facebook<\/p>\n<p> Valerie&#8217;s rescue took more than 1,000 volunteer hours and spanned more than 3,000 miles.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">PEOPLE contacted the Kangala Wildlife Rescue for additional updates on Valerie&#8217;s condition and her upcoming reunion with her owners, but has not received comment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The rescue team shared on Facebook that it is thrilled to have a happy ending to this lengthy saga.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Valerie&#8217;s story is a reminder that hope and determination can lead to incredible results,&#8221; the Kangala Wildlife Rescue noted.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Kangala Wildlife Rescue\/Facebook Valerie's owners are preparing to welcome her back home after her extended time away.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/sCrxy6CGqHjuv9EytICUgA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/people_218\/819dba89d1b16ce4ecb5f24de47ff1b5\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<p>Kangala Wildlife Rescue\/Facebook<\/p>\n<p> Valerie&#8217;s owners are preparing to welcome her back home after her extended time away.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Omg yessss!!!! I am bawling right now!&#8221; one commenter wrote on the post announcing the dog&#8217;s capture. &#8220;But nothing but happy tears!!! I am so relieved this lil girl is safe now and going home! I have been praying so hard for Valerie, and today mine and many others&#8217; prayers were answered!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Another praised the rescue for their hard work, writing, &#8220;Absolutely incredible team effort! You guys must have had lots of emotions and tears of relief in her final moments of capture. Huge Respect to all those who were involved. No one will ever forget Valerie, the runaway pooch. We&#8217;re not crying, you are.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Read the original article on <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/missing-wiener-dog-valerie-rescued-from-rugged-island-after-529-days-11722228\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:People;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">People<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/lifestyle\/wiener-dog-lost-rugged-island-191305714.html\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Valerie, an 8-pound dachshund who went missing in November 2023 while on vacation with her owners, has been safely rescued Valerie evaded capture for 529 days, surviving on Australia&#8217;s Kangaroo Island\u00a0 It took a rescue group over 1,000 hours covering more than 3,000 miles to save the elusive pet Valerie the dachshund is officially safe [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1016,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1015","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-world-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/firearmgiveawayfinder.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1015","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/firearmgiveawayfinder.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/firearmgiveawayfinder.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firearmgiveawayfinder.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firearmgiveawayfinder.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1015"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/firearmgiveawayfinder.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1015\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firearmgiveawayfinder.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1016"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/firearmgiveawayfinder.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1015"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firearmgiveawayfinder.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1015"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firearmgiveawayfinder.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1015"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}