Lost for 529 Days, Dachshund Found Alive in Australian Wilderness
A small dachshund named Valerie has been found alive after spending 529 days lost in the Australian wilderness, in what rescuers are calling a miracle of survival.
Valerie disappeared during a camping trip with her owners in a remote coastal area of Australia. Despite days of searching at the time, she could not be located and was believed to have perished in the harsh environment.
More than a year later, hikers reported seeing a dog matching her description deep in bushland far from where she was last seen. Wildlife officers and local volunteers launched a careful rescue operation, using food trails and cameras to confirm her identity.
After several days of tracking, Valerie was safely captured. She was found thin but alert, with no major injuries. Veterinarians say she likely survived by drinking from natural water sources and hunting small animals or scavenging food.
Rescuers were shocked that a small domestic dog could survive for so long in an area known for snakes, extreme heat, and limited food. “It’s an extraordinary story,” one rescuer said. “She adapted to the wild and somehow kept going.”
Valerie has since been reunited with her owners, who described the moment as emotional and unbelievable. “We never thought we’d see her again,” they said. “It feels like getting a part of our family back.”
Animal experts say the case shows that dogs can be far more resilient than people expect, but they warn that pet owners should always keep animals safely supervised when traveling in remote areas.
