Experts ‘amazed’ at survival of Valerie the miniature dachshund – on the run on South Australian island for more than a year

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www.pedestrian.tv

A Mini Dachshund Named Valerie Has Survived 500 Days Alone On Kangaroo Island

Valerie, the mini dachshund has been spotted on camera after being lost in Kangaroo Island for over 500 days.
www.pedestrian.tv www.pedestrian.tv

April 2nd, latest photo of Valerie

“It’s been a hectic, long and exhausting journey so far, with our small team of dedicated volunteers working around the clock in the search for little Valerie,” the post read.

“The last four days have been an anxious wait, with Valerie laying low and with the harsh winds, we really can’t blame her. Thankfully the weather improved and last night Valerie was spotted once again in our rescue area.

“We can’t explain how [exciting] it is to have Valerie come trotting in exploring and enjoying all the yummy treats on offer after an anxious wait. Seeing that long body and wiggly bum was just the boost everyone needed.”

Kangala Wildlife Rescue has been trying to lure Valerie back home via roast chicken and tuna.

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slowpoke said:
Has her family been able to travel back to the island? I was thinking maybe Valerie would respond to hearing their voices. Or maybe an audio of their voices calling for her?
Moo
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Yes I was wondering the same or a snuggly blanket with owners scent on in a trap to tempt her in. As an owner myself I know mine adores anything to hide under or snuggle into.
Come on Valerie!
 
I was nearly going to post an article from AOL
But there was nothing new in it, then I got suspicious when they wrote that Valerie while on the run is probably not eating "the best dog food" The best dog food was highlighted and went to, guess what, a site that sells dog food.

I have to say it's the first time I've seen that in a news story.
 
From the article

The trap was “set up like her own little room with her toys and bed from home, mum’s clothing, hidden food and challenges to keep her entertained”, Kangala said.

“We have seen an amazing change in Valerie’s demeanour recently as she begins to remember all those familiar smells, tastes and sounds.”

They had been working on a remote trigger system using the mobile phone network, Kangala said, with the final part “due to arrive this week”.

“We are happy to report that after a few tests and modifications it looks like we have a system that will work,” Kangala said on Facebook.
 
More from the article

"“We have seen an amazing change in Valerie’s demeanour recently as she begins to remember all those familiar smells, tastes and sounds.”

I wonder if by sounds they mean they've recorded Valerie's Mum calling her, talking to her.

It seems they have things from the home, the dog bed, toys, and Mums clothing.
So my guess is they've made a recording.

I wonder how she felt when she realised she was alone.
She must have been so scared. It's a pity she didn't feel that she could go to someone for help.
 
Megnut said:
"New footage of Valerie the miniature dachshund, missing since 2023, shows her sniffing around a trap and capering with a food box."


www.theguardian.com

Net closes in on Valerie with new footage of dachshund after more than 500 days at large on Kangaroo Island

Team leading South Australian search says risk of disrupting other wildlife has made it hard to capture missing pet dog
www.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com
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This is such a sweet and wonderful possible reunion story..... But it is also such a story of animal AND human nature, isn't it. Possibly feral! I have tried to put myself in Valerie's mind !! with her torn between her two known environments.

just thinking about humans going feral...........
 
TootsieFootsie said:
Maybe it's her tiny size that has helped her survive, I think a larger dog would need a lot more food.
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Dachshunds are smart, she is probably finding small rodents to eat. She can curl up under a bush to stay out of rain. Living her best life.

Hopefully, she will settle down and let someone help her get back to her family. It is a mystery how she is so far from her home.
 
mickey2942 said:
Dachshunds are smart, she is probably finding small rodents to eat. She can curl up under a bush to stay out of rain. Living her best life.

Hopefully, she will settle down and let someone help her get back to her family. It is a mystery how she is so far from her home.
Click to expand...
Rbbm

That part isn't actually a mystery.

"Valerie the dachshund went missing in November 2023 after escaping from her pen while on holiday with her carers at Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island off the South Australian coast." [Emphasis mine]

www.dailymail.co.uk

Owners of Valerie the runaway dachshund share fresh update

Valerie the runaway dachshund is still missing after escaping her pen during a camping trip at Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island in November 2023.
www.dailymail.co.uk www.dailymail.co.uk
 
If Valerie is sniffing around the trap, no doubt native wildlife is too. Perhaps they keep tripping it or it's why they have it set not to trio. If they can get the trap that they can close remotely, hopefully that will do the trick!

I like to think, for as great as this adventure has been, she's ready to curl up on a soft dog bed in a patch of sun inside her house. I hope today is the day they secure her so she can be reunited with her people.

jmo
 
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