Valerie, a two-legged miniature dachshund, has melted the hearts of dog lovers everywhere since she miraculously survived being born with two legs. Georgia Gardner’s one-year-old rescue dog disappeared while the Gardners were on vacation on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. They can’t quite believe their sweet dog is gone. Valerie had a much better plan—she hulled herself out of what was supposed to be an impenetrable playpen. She set out on that exciting journey for a full 529 days!
Valerie’s story started when she escaped her pen while her owners were away for the 4th of July holiday. With all good precautions, the feisty dachshund slipped free and ran away into the wilderness. To this day, how she managed to live solo for all those years remains one of the sea’s great mysteries. Just maybe, they hope, she would have succeeded with assistance from some of her new animal friends.
“I doubt the sausage dog has become an apex predator.” – The Times
Her rescue followed a long and careful operation from wildlife crews who had been following Valerie for months. Stories say she was only an inch cleared under her belly. To add to that, she had very little itty bitty legs, making her survival that much more amazing. Her considerable weight loss has raised questions about whether other animals could have helped her find food.
“Possums or cats out there were grooming her.” – The Guardian
Truffles’ adventurous spirit seemed to blossom while she was in the woods. According to reports, Valerie “decided she didn’t want to go back to the city. She liked the island lifestyle, and she’s probably had some support from farm animals or wildlife to stay alive.” This glimpse into her personality makes us wonder how adaptable are our domesticated companions to living in the wild?
Since being rescued, Valerie’s transition to her new home was an easy one. Just a week later, she celebrated the rejoining of friends Georgia Gardner and partner Josh Fishlock. The tearful reunion was a happy occasion for the couple, who were heartbroken over their missing pet. While they enjoyed having Valerie back in their home, they took the time to set up their environment as a healing space to support her recovery.
“Her own little room with her toys and bed from home, mum’s clothing, hidden food and challenges to keep her entertained.” – The Guardian
That hard work led to Valerie’s health being completely restored and flourishing. She’s recently moved into that space with an expanded role as an official ambassador to The Paws Room, a dog product company. Her story has inspired various creative endeavors, including an unauthorized book and a biopic titled “Dog Gone: The Hunt for Valerie.” To further commemorate Valerie’s epic adventure, a local brewery has even produced a beer in her honor!
What Valerie’s wilderness experience has done is engage the public’s imagination. It’s a reminder of the deep and complex resilience of animals enduring increasingly hostile environments. Her mischievous personality only serves to emphasize her feisty bug-eyed attitude. At the same time, her extraordinary survival instincts highlight just how adaptable dogs like Valerie can be.
“We have seen an amazing change in Valerie’s demeanour recently as she begins to remember all those familiar smells, tastes and sounds.” – Facebook (Kangal Rescue)
Valerie’s self-confidence and enthusiasm for life in Seattle with her new teammates Gardner and Fishlock is contagious. Her story encourages us all to honor that special relationship between pets and their people. The dachshund’s adventure has fostered a sense of community and support among animal lovers who have rallied around her story.