After 529 days missing on Kangaroo Island, miniature sausage dog Valerie has finally been reunited with her owners!
Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock travelled from Albury, NSW to see their beloved pup, 11 days after her dramatic rescue. Valerie vanished from their campsite at Stokes Bay on November 13, 2023.
“I bawled my eyes out and just seeing her come up and wag her tail and bark, I’m speechless,” Ms Gardner said. “Just so much emotion.”
Despite fears she may have become wary of people, Valerie greeted her owners with cuddles and kisses. “We were very nervous coming in today but the reaction was just priceless, it could not have been scripted,” Mr Fishlock said.
Photos: Kangala Wildlife Rescue Facebook Page
The nearly three-year-old dachshund had been in the care of Kangala Wildlife Rescue since her capture, where she gained 1.8kg of lean muscle and became “more open to people”.
It was the couple’s first time back on the island since Valerie disappeared. “We kind of came to the conclusion that we were never coming back,” Ms Gardner said.
They were “so grateful” to rescuers Jared and Lisa Karran, who cared for Valerie while they arranged travel. “All these lovely people have put in hours of time, hours of effort,” Ms Gardner said.
The couple will now focus on helping Valerie adjust back to home life. “The biggest thing at the moment is Valerie’s mental health,” Mr Fishlock said.
“She’s part of our chaotic little family,” added Ms Gardner.
