A volunteer rescue team has shared video footage of a dog they believe is Valerie, a dachshund missing from Kangaroo Island for over 519 days. The video captures the dog entering a trap designed with Valerie’s toys and her owners’ clothing, which was intended to safely capture her.
Sadly, the trap’s door cannot be closed remotely, allowing the dog to exit without being secured. Valerie’s owners, Josh and Georgia, are convinced this is their cherished pet, with Josh reminiscing, “I was sitting there in bed one night, just going through old photos and comparing all her little marks and everything and being like ‘it’s 100 per cent her.'”
The search for Valerie has sparked international interest, featuring in major publications and drawing comments from social media users across New Zealand, the Netherlands, and the United States. This heightened awareness has provided hope for the rescue team, as it might lead to additional resources and donations critical to their efforts.
Georgia emphasises the importance of sharing information about Valerie, stating that greater visibility could lead to increased support for their work. To improve their chances of capturing Valerie, the rescue team plans to install a remote mechanism to close the trap door by the end of the week.
Overall, the rescue team’s ongoing effort reflects a community’s dedication to reuniting a family with their beloved pet after a long absence.