What happened next: Valerie the dachshund taught us how to survive
We could learn a lot from the pampered sausage dog who became a canine Bear Grylls. Perhaps all of us are capable of more than we might expect
TL;DR
- Valerie, a one-year-old miniature dachshund, escaped her owners on Kangaroo Island in November 2023.
- She survived for 529 days in the Australian wilderness, an area known for snakes and eagles.
- Locals and wildlife rescuers theorized she survived by eating roadkill, being fed by unknown individuals, or potentially scavenging.
- After numerous sightings, wildlife rescuers managed to lure Valerie into a specially designed crate.
- Valerie gained 1.8kg during her time in the wild and was reunited with her overjoyed owners.
- Her story has led to media attention, brand partnerships, and even a dramatized rescue film.