Rescuers of a sausage dog that spent nearly one-and-a-half years lost have lifted the lid on the recovery mission that captured the world’s attention.
Miniature sausage dog Valerie will soon be returned to her owners Josh and Georgia Gardner after going missing on Kangaroo Island, off South Australia, 529 days ago.
The rescue mission, led by Kangala Wildlife Rescue, garnered global attention and involved the efforts of more than 1,000 volunteers and thousands of man hours.
Kangala Wildlife Rescue director Jared Karran described the experience as ‘a long, tough battle’ in a video posted alongside his wife Lisa on Saturday.
‘We were so excited yesterday to be able to release the information that Valerie has been secured,’ Mr Karran said.
‘She is safe and sound after what was a rollercoaster ride.’
Remarkably, despite being separated for more than half the dog’s life, it was her owner’s scent that allowed the team to catch her.
For weeks, the team had been encouraging Valerie to wander into a cage by leaving out pieces of t-shirts worn by Ms Gardner, and toys from home.
Valerie spent 529 days missing on Kangaroo Island before being caught by Kangala Wildlife Rescue volunteers on Friday night
Kangala Wildlife Rescue directors Jared and Lisa Karran detailed the ‘long, tough battle’ involved in bringing Valerie home
The world-famous dachshund soon became renowned for her ability to enter the grips of the rescue team before slipping away uncaught.
‘True to form, after consecutive nights of visiting the rescue site, Valerie has given us the cold shoulder and gone off on one of her side missions,’ the rescue team said in a video of Valerie evading capture in April.
After consecutive nights of close-calls, the team constructed a device, allowing the cage to be closed remotely.
At that point, Mr Karran said: ‘It was just a matter of waiting for Valerie to come back into the trap.’
On Friday evening, the volunteers got their chance.
‘Valerie was in, she was rummaging around, finding little food stashes all over the place,’ Mr Karran said.
When she approached the correct corner of the cage, Mr Karran triggered the remote before the door dropped closed.
The pair took pains to keep Valerie calm during the rescue process, given how long she had spent separated from her owners and other humans.
Valerie will soon be reunited with owners Josh and Georgia Gardner
The cheeky sausage dog evaded capture several times
‘Valerie handled that all quite well considering a dog that’s been out for so long…she took it in her stride’, Mr Karran said.
Ms Gardner took to social media on Friday to thank Valerie’s rescuers, adding it should serve as a reminder for other lost pet owners to remain optimistic.
‘For anyone who’s ever lost a pet, your feelings are valid and never give up hope. Sometimes good things happen to good people,’ she wrote on Facebook.
‘Incredibly grateful for Kangala Wildlife Rescue, the Kangaroo Island community, our friends, family and everyone who has contributed their support to rescue Val.
‘We’ll see you soon Valerie.’
