A miniature dachshund who vanished without a trace 16 months ago on Kangaroo Island has been spotted alive, reigniting hope for her family and capturing global attention.
Valerie, the black-and-tan dachshund, disappeared in November 2023 after escaping her pen while attempting to follow her owners to Stokes Bay Beach. The small dog, weighing only 4 kilograms, was not seen again, and her owners feared the worst. However, new footage from Kangala Wildlife Rescue has shown that Valerie is alive and well, sparking renewed hope for a reunion.
Kangala Wildlife Rescue shared a video on Monday night, revealing Valerie’s recent appearance in a trap set by volunteers working to bring her home. The group has been tirelessly attempting to lure Valerie back using her favorite foods, toys, and even her bed, hoping to coax her into the trap. While Valerie has visited the cage multiple times, she has not yet been safely captured.
“We have seen an amazing change in Valerie’s demeanor recently,” said Kangala on their Facebook page. “She’s beginning to remember all those familiar smells, tastes, and sounds.” Despite her frequent visits to the trap, other wildlife or the absence of human presence has prevented Valerie’s safe capture.
In a new approach, Kangala Wildlife Rescue has been developing a remote triggering system for the trap using mobile phone technology, hoping to successfully capture Valerie without human interference. The final component of the system is expected to arrive next week.
Kangala volunteers are concerned about the potential risks of spooking Valerie during rescue attempts, focusing on her safety and mental well-being. “The team has been working tirelessly around the clock for weeks now, with the main focus being Valerie’s safety and her mental health,” they wrote.
Valerie’s ongoing journey to safety continues to captivate audiences worldwide, with many wondering how a small dog could survive for so long in the wild. For now, her owners and rescuers remain hopeful that their persistent efforts will lead to Valerie’s safe return.
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