Famous for her wild Kangaroo Island adventure, it’s paw-ty time

It has already been a big year for Valerie the rescued dachshund and now she has marked a special milestone* – her first birthday back home.

The pup, who made international headlines after running wild on Kangaroo Island for 529 days, turned three on Thursday 12 June.

For her paw-rents, Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock, it was a chance for them to reflect on all of her incredible adventures.

“Valerie has spent almost half her life missing, so to be able to celebrate this birthday with her at home is everything to us,” Ms Gardner said.

This time last year, the Albury couple were without their “princess”, who they lost on the island while visiting as tourists in November 2023.

Since Valerie was found by Kangala Wildlife Rescue in April and her grand return home, her owners have been making up for lost time and threw Valerie her own paw-ty to mark the big occasion.

Along with their other dogs, Dorothy and Mason, and cat Lucy, the pack all came together to celebrate Valerie’s birthday with cuddles, new toys, a dog-friendly birthday cake and a “puppucino or two”.

“(Valerie’s) cheeky, bold and full of personality,” Ms Gardner said.

“And after everything she’s been through, she deserves a safe space with all the treats in the world.”

The pooch has been living the life of a celebrity since returning home and has been showered with gifts and messages of support from her followers.

“The generosity has been overwhelming,” Mr Fishlock said. “It’s been like Christmas every week.”

The pup-star even has her own Instagram page and was recently appointed as an ambassador* for Australian crate brand, The Paws Room.

In Valerie’s new role, she will “help raise awareness for lost pets” and encourage owners to provide rehomed* furry friends with calm, safe spaces.

She will also step into the spotlight as a cast member of The Real House Wags of Australia – a “charming” series created by the brand to share a glimpse into her life after rescue.

“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,” Ms Gardner said. “Just pure happiness.”

POLL

GLOSSARY

• milestone: an important event in the development or history of something or in someone’s life
• ambassador: person (or animal, in this case) who represents, speaks for, or advertises a particular organisation, group of people, activity, or brand
• rehomed: when a new home is found for an animal, usually a pet

EXTRA READING

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Bear cub’s carers wear costumes

‘E-litter’ puppies to change lives

QUICK QUIZ

1. On which Australian island was Valerie lost?
2. How long did Valerie spend alone on the island?
3. Which wildlife organisation rescued Valerie?
4. Valerie has recently been named a brand ambassador – what will her role be?
5. With Valerie safely home in Albury, what is the total number of pets her owners keep?

LISTEN TO THIS STORY

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. What would you write?
“If you had told me a year ago that …”

Write an exciting and amazing story that starts with this phrase.

Time: allow at least 30 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English

2. Extension
Imagine that you are Valerie. Write a reflection on your experiences of the past year. When you are planning your reflection, think about all the good things, but also the challenges that Valerie would have faced. Use information in the story to help you. Use your research skills to find other Kids News stories about Valerie, too!

Time: allow at least 30 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English

VCOP ACTIVITY
I spy nouns
Nouns are places, names (of people and objects), and time (months or days of the week).

How many nouns can you find in the article?

Can you sort them into places, names and time?

Pick three nouns and add an adjective (describing word) to the nouns.