Miniature Dachshund Reunited With Its Owner After 18 Months Lost on Australian Island

Georgia Gardner and partner Josh Fishlock hold Valerie, their miniature dachshund after being reunited on Kangaroo Island in South Australia after Valerie was missing for 540 days, on May 6, 2025. Ruby Stewart/The Advertiser via AP

MELBOURNE, Australia—Valerie, a miniature dachshund lost for 18 months—or around half her life—on an Australian island, has been reunited with her owners, her rescuers said Wednesday.

Owner Georgia Gardner said her pet approached without hesitation when they were reunited by Kangala Wildlife Rescue on Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia state on Tuesday for the first time since November 2023.