Lost for 529 days: Tiny dog survives harsh wilderness, finally rescued with owner’s T-shirt trick

Valerie, a miniature dachshund, survived an astonishing 529 days in the Australian wilderness after disappearing during a camping trip. Rescuers from Kangala Wildlife Rescue used her owner's T-shirt to create a scent trail, leading to her capture. Against intense heat and dangers like venomous snakes, Valeries survival is a moving testament to resilience, hope, and the bond between pets and owners.

Alternate sources:

• https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly1p1lezdgo
• https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/26/australia/australia-valerie-lost-dog-captured-intl-hnk/index.html
• https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dog-valerie-missing-529-days-captured-kangaroo-island-australia/
• https://www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/escaped-dog-australia-rescued-529-days-alone-wilderness-rcna203246
• https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-26/valerie-the-dachshund-found-safe-after-529-days-lost/105176940