New hope for missing dog after 500 days on island

15 Apr 2025 • 10:01 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • A miniature dachshund named Valerie, missing for over 500 days on Kangaroo Island in South Australia, has been spotted, bringing renewed hope for her rescue.
  • Valerie went missing in November 2023 while on vacation with her owners, Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock, and has been living in the wild since.
  • Kangala Wildlife Rescue released new footage showing Valerie interacting with a food box, indicating she is becoming more comfortable returning to the rescue area.
  • The rescue team is using traps baited with Valerie's favourite foods and familiar items to capture her.
  • Despite their initial skepticism, sightings and photos have given Valerie's owners almost 100 per cent certainty that she is still alive.

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