After braving the wilderness for 500 days, Valerie is heavier than ever. Has someone been feeding the mini dachshund?

theguardian.comPublished: 5/7/2025

Summary

Valerie, the dachshund who went missing for over 500 days on Kangaroo Island, returned home with her owners' delight, showcasing her remarkable resilience in the wild. Despite only gaining 1.8kg since her disappearance, Valerie exhibited vibrant health and energy, a testament to her adaptability in rugged terrain. The island has faced scrutiny regarding factors like human intervention or feral animal involvement during Valerie's absence. Now safely reunited with her owners, who embrace her as their "princess," Valerie appears well-adapted to life away from urban life, maintaining her natural instincts and health effortlessly.