The Disappearance

A tiny sausage-shaped dog vanished into the Australian wilderness and managed to survive over 500 days alone before making a remarkable return. Valerie the Dachshund escaped from her playpen during a camping trip on Kangaroo Island in 2023. Her owners, Georgia and Josh, spent five full days searching without success. Eventually, they had to return home completely heartbroken.

Mystery Sightings

For a while after Valerie's disappearance, locals kept spotting what they described as a mysterious hot dog darting through the brush. But each time, the small dog managed to slip away before anyone could reach her. Eventually, these sightings slowed down, and many feared Valerie hadn't survived in the wild.

A Surprise Return

Then, in early 2025, hope returned. Someone spotted a tiny runaway dog wearing a pink collar about 10 miles from where Valerie had originally vanished. This sighting sparked new rescue efforts. Kangala Wildlife Rescue took action right away, setting up trail cameras and capture crates in the area.

The Great Escape Artist

For weeks, Valerie continued to outsmart everyone trying to help her. She dodged rescuers and avoided traps as if evading capture was her full-time job. Her survival skills after so long in the wilderness amazed everyone involved in the search.

The Chicken That Saved the Day

Finally, after an incredible 529 days on her own in the wild, Valerie's adventure came to an end. She walked into a crate that rescuers had baited with warm roast chicken. The temptation of a home-cooked meal proved too strong for the wilderness survivor to resist.

Thriving Against All Odds

Most surprising to rescuers was Valerie's condition. She wasn't just surviving—she was thriving. The little Dachshund was in perfect health and had even gained a few pounds of muscle during her time in the wild. After a short recovery stay at the rescue center, Valerie reunited with Georgia and Josh, who were overjoyed to have their pet back home.

Back to Normal Life

Today, Valerie has returned to her comfortable, spoiled life as a beloved pet. She acts as if her 500-day walkabout in the Australian wilderness never happened. Her remarkable story of survival has turned this tiny Dachshund into a global icon, proving that sometimes the smallest among us have the greatest determination to survive.