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Lost Pet Prevention: Valerie's Top Tips




Valerie the Dachshund Leads the Way For Lost Pet Prevention


Learn how to prevent pet escapes with tips from dog behaviourist Lara Shannon

July marks National Lost Pet Prevention Month and there’s no more inspiring messenger for the cause than Valerie the Dachshund, who was lost on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island for 529 days before her remarkable rescue in April by wildlife charity Kangala Wildlife Rescue.

Now, as official ambassador for purpose-driven Aussie pet furniture brand The Paws Room, Valerie is using her platform to 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.

Josh, Valerie & Georgia with Lara
Valerie’s separation anxiety was a key factor in her going missing, which is why this campaign is so close to the hearts of her humans, Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock. 

They’ve teamed up with dog behaviourist and TV presenter Lara Shannon to share expert advice for pet parents on preventing escapes and helping anxious pets feel safe at home.

“Lara helped Valerie feel at ease from her very first day home, showing us how to use the crate as a positive space where she could decompress and adjust to being back in a safe environment,” said Georgia. Watch the video here.

Valerie got lost during a camping holiday on Kangaroo Island in November 2023. On the second day of the trip, Georgia and Josh had just finished setting up their camp and decided to go fishing. They settled Valerie into her usual pen with her bed, water, treats and toys. But when they returned just 30 minutes later, she was gone.

“We set Valerie up just like we always did in her pen, as well as an AirTag on her collar,” said Georgia. “But she still managed to escape in the short time we were gone. It was devastating, and honestly, we never thought something like that could happen to us. Now we just want to help others avoid going through what we did.”

Josh and Georgia have been asked by many people why the tracking device didn't help.

“The truth is, AirTags rely on nearby iPhones to update their location," said Josh. "They only work if your moving pet comes into range of a device connected to the Find My network, which isn’t reliable in remote areas or places with limited signal. That’s something we didn’t fully understand at the time."

Safe at home: Dorothy, Valerie & Mason
Valerie is also microchipped with contact information up-to-date.


“We brought her microchip papers with us on holidays,” said Georgia. “When she disappeared, we contacted the microchip records to say she was missing and when we got her back, they scanned her microchip number to confirm it was her. So, we knew she hadn’t been in contact with the vet throughout the 529 days.”

Now, Josh and Georgia are focused on creating a safe, secure environment for Valerie and her fur-siblings, Lucy the rescue cat, Dorothy the Dachshund and Mason the Red Heeler.


Top tips for preventing lost pets

As part of Valerie’s awareness campaign for National Lost Pet Prevention Month, Lara Shannon shares her expert tips to help prevent pets from getting lost:

✔️ Secure your home and yard: Check fences, gates and screen doors regularly.
“Look for loose panels, digging spots or gaps underneath,” says Lara. “Even small gaps can be an escape route for a determined dog. They can also burst through flyscreens, sneak out during deliveries and use anything placed close enough to the fence or gates as leverage to get over and out.”

✔️ Ensure proper identification: Microchips, collars with ID tags and up-to-date contact info are critical for safe reunions! Consider a GPS tracker/collar for added peace of mind, especially useful for newly adopted dogs or when travelling.

Dachshund Valerie relaxing in her Teddy Crate - Credit: The Paws Room



✔️ Use crates for calm and safety: “A crate isn’t a cage, it’s a safe haven,” says Lara, who is a big advocate of crate training dogs. “When crate training is done right, it provides your dog with a secure and happy place they can go to when they want a rest or are feeling anxious. 

Valerie’s separation anxiety played a big role in why she went missing. Especially for new or anxious pets, a crate can prevent bolting and provide much-needed comfort.”

✔️ Be cautious with new or nervous pets: “Rescue dogs may be flight risks,” adds Lara. “Keep them leashed or supervised when outside until they’ve fully settled, which can take many months. Gradual exposure to things like storms, traffic or loud noises can help reduce flighty behaviour.”

✔️ Train for recall and calm behaviour: Ongoing training builds trust and responsiveness, even under stress. Even the most obedient dogs can bolt when startled!
“Practice in different environments to ensure reliability,” says Lara. 

“Bored or anxious dogs are more likely to try to escape. Occupiers like puzzle toys, scenting, scatter feeding and long lasting chews, provide mental and physical enrichment. A tired dog is a good dog!”

Dachshunds Valerie and Dorothy keeping busy in their crate - Credit: The Paws Room



✔️ Take extra precautions during holidays and travelling: Always secure your pet with a harness or crate and avoid opening car doors until you’re sure they’re restrained.

“Loud celebrations, such as fireworks, can significantly increase the risk of dogs fleeing in fear,” says Lara. “Ask visitors to be cautious with doors and gates, especially around rescue pets or fosters.”

From Prevention to Purpose: Valerie's campaign continues

Valerie’s first public meet and greet at Pound Paws Dog Day in Sydney on August 31.

Valerie’s awareness campaign doesn’t end with lost pet prevention tips. It also celebrates the organisations working to rehome pets and support their emotional wellbeing – a mission shared by The Paws Room and their official charity partner, Pound Paws, which is dedicated to rehoming rescue pets from shelters and pounds across the country.

The Paws Room matches every donation made at checkout, helping to find loving homes for pets, raise awareness about adoption and show the world the paw-some power of compassion.

Valerie’s first public meet and greet since disappearing on Kangaroo Island will be at the Pound Paws Dog Day at The Sheaf in Double Bay (Sydney, NSW) on August 31. For more details and registration for this free event here.

For behind-the-scenes pawsomeness, you can follow Valerie social media:


She's one of the faces behind The Real House Wags of Australia, a charming new series launched by The Paws Room.

MEDIA RELEASE, 8th July 2025

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Dog Microchipped but missing? The Critical Step Too Many Pet Owners Forget

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