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Australia’s most resilient pup turns three and her journey is far from over!
She’s been lost, found and loved by the world. Now, Valerie the Dachshund is celebrating her third birthday at home with tail wags and remarkable milestones! And the best is yet to come!
After spending 529 days lost on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island, Valerie was found and captured in April by Kangala Wildlife Rescue, a not-for-profit animal / wildlife rescue service that provided round-the-clock care to ensure her recovery and wellbeing.
The emotional reunion with her family, Georgia Gardner and partner Josh Fishlock, at Kangala became a story of resilience, community spirit, triumph against all odds and the enduring bond between human and animal.
Now back home in Albury, NSW with her family, Valerie is embracing every moment of home life with her fur siblings, Lucy the cat, Mason the Red Heeler, and her cheeky new Dachshund sister, Dorothy.
“Valerie has spent almost half her life missing, so to be able to celebrate this birthday with her at home is everything to us!” said Georgia.“We didn’t get to celebrate her second birthday as she was still missing. But this year, we’re making up for it with a little family party with all the pets together at home, FaceTime with our parents, lots of cuddles, new toys and of course, dog friendly birthday cake and a puppuccino or two!”
For Georgia and Josh, Valerie’s birthday is also a reminder of everything their resilient pup survived and how far she’s come on her journey home. Since returning, Valerie’s story has continued to unfold in wonderful ways and into some unexpected new roles.
Wag-worthy milestones
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| Valerie at the RSPCA MPW Walk - Photo Georgia Gardner |
Animal lovers and pet brands from around the country sent ‘welcome home’ gifts, from coats and handcrafted accessories to raw dog food, treats, toys bundles, crate enrichment packs and even a handmade snuggle sack!
“The generosity has been overwhelming!” said Josh. “It’s been like Christmas every week. People who we’ve never met sent the most thoughtful gifts and we received so many supportive messages! It felt like the whole world was welcoming Valerie home!”
In many ways, it was, as Valerie’s journey was shared from local news bulletins to major international media.
“If you had told me a year ago that we’d get Valerie home and everyone would want to know about it, my head would have exploded!” laughed Georgia.
“We’re getting movie and book inquiries, and messages from the New York Times, The Washington Post and BBC. I’m from a small town of 800 people and Valerie is my little dog. I never imagined her story would go global. All I wanted was to raise awareness with the locals to help bring Valerie home. If those book and movie projects happen, I’d be absolutely gobsmacked!”
Supporting pets in transition
Valerie’s journey has also inspired the appointment of Ambassador for The Paws Room, the Aussie brand behind the stylish and sustainable wooden crate that helped her settle back in with the guidance of dog behaviourist Lara Shannon.
“We knew Valerie would initially need a safe and calming space to rest and re-adjust,” said Georgia.
“Lara also showed us how using a crate could help Valerie feel secure and rebuild a sense of routine. It really reinforced how important it is for lost or (adopted) rescue dogs to have a consistent, comforting environment.
“After everything Valerie’s been through, the crate gave her a sense of security and a familiar place she could choose to retreat to whenever she needed. It’s become her happy space. We'll probably have to get another one because our cat Lucy has claimed it, too!”
As The Paws Room Ambassador, Valerie will help raise awareness for lost pets, crate training and the importance of providing lost or adopted pets with a calm, safe space to support their transition back to home life.
And now, Valerie’s story continues on her Instagram and TikTok as one of the faces behind The Real House Wags of Australia, a charming new series launched by The Paws Room. From life after rescue, to stage days with a theatre diva, the series chronicle the adventures of Australia’s favourite pup personalities, including Valerie, of course!
Finding joy in the everyday
Beyond the public spotlight, it’s the quiet, everyday moments at home that mean the most to Georgia and Josh.
“One night, Dorothy, Valerie and Lucy all fell asleep in the same bed, cuddling together,” Georgia said. “I just sat there watching them sleep, feeling content and at peace. They just looked so happy.”
Regular walks, visits to the local café for a puppuccino and weekend trips to Bunnings have become part of the family’s new normal, but they’re now moments that feel extra special.
As The Paws Room Ambassador, Valerie will help raise awareness for lost pets, crate training and the importance of providing lost or adopted pets with a calm, safe space to support their transition back to home life.
And now, Valerie’s story continues on her Instagram and TikTok as one of the faces behind The Real House Wags of Australia, a charming new series launched by The Paws Room. From life after rescue, to stage days with a theatre diva, the series chronicle the adventures of Australia’s favourite pup personalities, including Valerie, of course!
Finding joy in the everyday
Beyond the public spotlight, it’s the quiet, everyday moments at home that mean the most to Georgia and Josh.
“One night, Dorothy, Valerie and Lucy all fell asleep in the same bed, cuddling together,” Georgia said. “I just sat there watching them sleep, feeling content and at peace. They just looked so happy.”
Regular walks, visits to the local café for a puppuccino and weekend trips to Bunnings have become part of the family’s new normal, but they’re now moments that feel extra special.
“One of my favourite memories is walking all three pets at the oval at sunset. It made me feel so warm inside. Just pure happiness,” Georgia said.
“Valerie is cheeky, bold and full of personality. And after everything she’s been through, she deserves a safe space and all the treats in the world.”
Follow Valerie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/valerie_dachshund/ and on Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@thepawsroomcrates
About Valerie the Dachshund
Valerie the Dachshund, touched hearts around the world after she was found 18 months after going missing on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Valerie’s journey home to her humans Georgia Gardner and partner Josh Fishlock captured hearts around the world and inspired a growing conversation about rescue, resilience and the power of love. Together, they now help raise awareness for lost pets, crate training and the importance of safe spaces for dogs adjusting to life at home.
About The Paws Room
The Paws Room is an Australian owned company with the love of dogs at the heart of everything we do. Our designer pet furniture and curated collection of accessories aim to provide harmony between your hound and home. Made from premium birch plywood, we create sustainable furniture that connect your sense of style with your dog's sense of security. To discover more, visit www.thepawsroom.com.au
MEDIA RELEASE, 12th June 2025
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