Valerie the dachshund, who had been missing for 450 days on South Australia's Kangaroo Island, was recently spotted, bringing hope to her owners. A photograph captured her running in an open field, confirming she was alive. Wildlife rescuer Lisa Karran remarked, "And that pretty much sparked the entire search."

Valerie's journey began on November 13, 2023, when she accompanied her owners, Georgia Gardner and Joshua Fishlock, on a camping trip. After setting up camp at Stokes Bay, they placed Valerie in a playpen while they went fishing nearby. However, she escaped and was last seen running into a property about 500 meters away. Despite their frantic search, Valerie could not be found that night.

Matt Johnson, who owned the cafe where the couple sought help, reassured them that dogs often return home. However, as days passed without any sign of Valerie, the couple's hope began to wane. They received support from the local community, with many offering assistance in the search.

Debbie Farnden, a dachshund enthusiast, tried to lure Valerie out using her own dogs and squeaky toys. Meanwhile, Jared and Lisa Karran from Kangala Wildlife Rescue set up cameras and used Valerie's belongings to attract her. Despite their efforts, no sign of Valerie emerged for weeks.

As winter approached, sightings of Valerie dwindled, and many feared she had not survived. However, in February, a friend of local farmers Ivan Smith and Sharon Tucker spotted a small black creature in a paddock. After capturing a photo, Sharon recognized it as Valerie. She had seen the dog on their property multiple times but had never been able to catch her.

The couple was initially hesitant to believe the news due to previous false sightings. However, the photograph reignited their hope. "We cried, looking at that photo," Georgia said. "You can just tell it's her."

The Karrans quickly organized a rescue mission, employing cameras, drones, and food to lure Valerie. On March 24, they captured images of her near the trap, and the story gained international attention. Georgia noted, "Never have I ever thought I was gonna be on different morning news networks, or the New York Times or the Washington Post."

As the rescue efforts continued, the Karrans faced pressure from the public, with some accusing them of prolonging the search for publicity. However, they remained focused on Valerie's well-being. Lisa Karran emphasized the importance of understanding dog behavior, stating that a dog in survival mode may not return to its owners.

To remind Valerie of her previous life, Georgia sent a package containing Valerie's belongings and a personal item. Over time, Valerie began to show signs of comfort, even playing with a teddy bear in a video captured by the Karrans. "That's our little girl. She's not some feral, wild thing … she wants to come home. She is going to be alright," Georgia expressed.

The community's support and the dedication of the Karrans have kept the search for Valerie alive, as they continue to work towards bringing her home safely.