Valerie is a dachshund and is the beloved pet of Josh Fishlock and Georgia Gardner. The family has had a joyful reunion after 529 days apart. Valerie escaped while the couple was camping in Stokes Bay on November 13, 2023. The dog spent the next 17 months lost on Kangaroo Island. @the.tiser She spent 529 days on the run in Kangaroo Island and now 11 days since her valiant rescue, Valerie the miniature dachshund has been reunited with her beloved owners Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock made the trip down from Albury, NSW on Monday night and said they were “so happy” to see their “princess” after 17 months. Speaking exclusively to The Advertiser after their long-awaited reunion, the couple said it was “incredible” to see her again after she escaped from their campsite in Stokes Bay on November 13, 2023. “I bawled my eyes out and just seeing her come up and wag her tail and bark, I’m speechless,” Ms Gardner said. While many online followers of Valerie’s tale suspected she may not warm to humans after her vagabond lifestyle, the complete opposite was true as the tiny pup provided her parents with all the kisses and cuddles they had been waiting for. Read our exclusive story: @the.tiser link in bio ♬ original sound – The Advertiser – The Advertiser Surprisingly, Valerie was healthy after her adventure and gained four pounds. Staff from Kangala Wildlife Rescue located and captured her. They showered her with attention and love while getting an all-clear from the vet. After clearance from the vet, she was returned to her family in mainland Australia. The wildlife center had been receiving reports of “Valerie sightings” the entire time, but the little animal was elusive. No one knows how the dog survived alone on Kangaroo Island for so long. Reports of the dog came in from about 15 kilometers from Stokes Bay, where she went missing. That is over nine miles and quite a distance on such short little legs. The rescue operation was a long process involving many volunteers combing the island week after week for almost the entire time Valerie was missing. Kangala Wildlife Rescue coordinated the efforts, but it was a combined effort from many dedicated people. The effort involved over 1,000 volunteer hours logged and over 5,000 kilometers in their private vehicles. Trail cameras were mounted and monitored at various locations, and humane traps were placed. Image from Facebook. For Georgia and Josh, none of that matters. Georgia initially responded, “I bawled my eyes out and just seeing her come up and wag her tail and bark, I’m speechless.” Someone suggested they fill in the gaps for a series of children’s books to benefit the wildlife rescue. Please share Valerie’s story. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Owners Reunited With Miniature Dachshund After She Spent Nearly Two Years On Kangaroo Island appeared first on InspireMore.