The owners of a naughty dachshund who’s been on the run for almost 500 days have revealed there’s been a new sighting of the troublesome pet.
Valerie the dachshund went missing in November 2023 after escaping from her pen while on holiday with her parents at Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island off the South n coast.
Owners Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock spent five days searching for their beloved pet to no avail with Valerie last being spotted fleeing into the bush following locals’ attempts to catch her.
Georgia and Josh returned home to Albury on the NSW-Victoria border without her but wildlife rescuers have resumed the search after she was spotted last month.
Her owners understandably doubted she would survive alone in the wild but Valerie has defied the odds.
They are desperate to be reunited with their canine companion and have enlisted the help of Kangala Wildlife Rescue, run by Jared and Lisa Karran.
The rescue team have been doing everything they can to lure Valerie into the area so they can capture the little dog. In adorable footage released on Tuesday, Valerie can be seen playing with a food box.
‘It was such a joy to see Valerie playing with one of the food boxes, that we have been using to help encourage her to come into the site,’ the clip was captioned.
‘Although Valerie wasn’t able to open it, she did still manage to find some of the food treats we have hidden around the place.’
Speaking on Channel Nine’s Today Show on Wednesday, Ms Gardner said she was hopeful she and and her partner will be reunited with Valerie soon.
‘We’re really excited,’ she said. ‘We’re trying to keep our emotions under wraps.
‘But, with her coming in and out of the traps and being more comfortable we’re pretty excited. It’s just a matter of time now.’
Wildlife rescuers have been working tirelessly to capture Valerie and find a way for her to return home safely.
Explaining why it’s been so difficult to trap Valerie, Jared and Lisa explained the abundance of other animals in the area has made it impossible for them to secure her in the trap using their usual methods.
The team’s usual trap prompts the dog to trigger the trap themselves but Valerie’s ‘constantly changing schedule’ and the presence of animals has complicated efforts.
The couple revealed they are very close to setting up a new trap for Valerie which will be remotely triggered, allowing them to capture her without the risk of her running off.
‘Valerie is now attending at our trap site on a regular basis, even is that means she disappears for five or six days we now know she will return,’ they shared.
The large dog trap has been set up like Valerie’s own personal room with toys, hidden food and challenges to keep her entertained.
Owners Georgia and Josh have also sent over Valerie’s bed from home and clothing to help the dog associate the trap with home.
‘We have seen an amazing change in Valerie’s demeanour recently as she begins to remember all those familiar smells, tastes and sounds,’ the rescuers added.
Valerie’s story has captured hearts around the world.
The little dachshund surprised locals when a dog with a pink collar was spotted about 15km from Stokes Bay a year after she first went missing.