Valerie, a miniature dachshund, was lost for 540 days on Kangaroo Island, Australia, after escaping from her pen during a holiday. Her owners, Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock, were devastated but held hope. Volunteers from Kangala Wildlife Rescue tirelessly searched for her over 1,000 hours and covered significant territory. Finally, she was found in surprisingly good condition, having survived under harsh circumstances, including eating road kill. The reunion was emotional as Valerie recognized her owners, igniting tears of joy amid their gratitude for her return.
Owner Georgia Gardner said her pet approached without hesitation when they were reunited by Kangala Wildlife Rescue on Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia state on Tuesday for the first time since November 2023.
Valerie was trapped on April 25 in remarkably good condition after 529 days spent living like a feral animal. Valerie had weighed 4 kilograms (9 pounds) when she was lost and now weighs 6.8 kilograms (15 pounds).
Volunteers from Kangala Wildlife Rescue spotted the distinctive addition to the Australian wilderness in March after searching for 540 days, spending an estimated 1,000 hours and covering 5,000 kilometers.
'She was wagging her tail, making her little happy sounds and wiggling around with joy. I held her and cried and cried,' Gardner added.
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