(Photography: Kangala Wildlife Rescue / The Paws Room)
You’ve definitely heard of the birthday queen, Valerie. She’s the sneaky little dachshund who ran from her owners during a holiday on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island, and not only did she survive 529 days out in the wild, ALONE, but from the looks of it, she thrived.
I have to say, as a dachshund owner myself, I’m both surprised and not surprised at the same time. Dachshunds are smart little creatures, notorious for their stubbornness and their incredible ability to hunt. After all, they were bred to hunt badgers and other small game, with the name ‘dachshund’ literally translating to “badger dog” in German.
However, many dachshunds are quite accustomed to the princess treatment – they won’t go outside when it’s raining because they hate getting their delicate little paws wet, their persistance to acquire a food tax during every meal is relentless, and they will trick you out of your spot on the couch, or bed, and then steal it without any regret. In fact, they’ll give you the side eye and look down at you from their throne for good measure.
Now with Valerie safe and sound, the question on everyone’s lips is, how will she cope after returning to a domestic setting?
Valerie the Dachshund celebrates her 3rd birthday
Valerie just celebrated her third birthday alongside her family in Albury, NSW with fur siblings Lucy the cat, Mason the Red Heeler and her cheeky new Dachshund sister, Dorothy.
“Valerie has spent almost half her life missing, so to be able to celebrate this birthday with her at home is everything to us!” Georgia Gardner, Valerie’s human mum, said.
“We didn’t get to celebrate her second birthday as she was still missing. But this year, we’re making up for it with a little family party with all the pets together at home, FaceTime with our parents, lots of cuddles, new toys, and of course, dog-friendly birthday cake and a puppuccino or two!”
What has Valerie the Dachshund been up to?
While Valerie has been home, she’s quite enjoyed the limelight. She attended the local RSPCA Million Paws Walk as a ‘celebrity guest’, with strangers stopping for photos and sharing how her story touched their lives.
Valerie has received welcome home gifts from animal lovers and pet brands, including coats, handcrafted accessories, raw dog food, treats, toys, and more.
So, in other words, she has been spoiled to the max, as she very well should be.
“The generosity has been overwhelming!” Josh, Valerie’s human dad, said. “It’s been like Christmas every week. People who we’ve never met sent the most thoughtful gifts, and we received so many supportive messages! It felt like the whole world was welcoming Valerie home!”
“If you had told me a year ago that we’d get Valerie home and everyone would want to know about it, my head would have exploded!” laughed Georgia. “We’re getting movie and book inquiries and messages from the New York Times, The Washington Post and BBC. I’m from a small town of 800 people and Valerie is my little dog. I never imagined her story would go global. All I wanted was to raise awareness with the locals to help bring Valerie home. If those book and movie projects happen, I’d be absolutely gobsmacked!”
Beyond all the glitz and glamour of being a dog-fluencer, it’s the everyday moments – cuddling, visiting the local cafe and weekend trips to Bunnings that are bringing the most joy.
“One night, Dorothy, Valerie and Lucy all fell asleep in the same bed, cuddling together. I just sat there watching them sleep, feeling content and at peace. They just looked so happy,” Georgia said. “One of my favourite memories is walking all three pets at the oval at sunset. It made me feel so warm inside. Just pure happiness. Valerie is cheeky, bold and full of personality. And after everything she’s been through, she deserves a safe space and all the treats in the world.”
How Valerie the Dachshund is inspiring others
Valerie has become an ambassador for The Paws Room, an Aussie brand known for stylish and sustainable wooden crates. After learning to use them herself to settle back in, she’s now raising awareness for lost pets, crate training, and the importance of providing lost or adopted pets with a calm, safe space.
“We knew Valerie would initially need a safe and calming space to rest and re-adjust,” said Georgia. “After everything Valerie’s been through, the crate gave her a sense of security and a familiar place she could choose to retreat to whenever she needed. It’s become her happy space. We’ll probably have to get another one because our cat Lucy has claimed it, too!”
What’s next for Valerie the Dachshund?
We aren’t sure exactly what’s next, but the future’s looking bright with talk of book deals, movie deals, and a whole lot of cuddles, puppucinos, and treats! Exactly the life every adorable dachshund deserves.
If you’d like to donate to Kangala Wildlife Rescue, visit their website.
