Sausage dog Valerie playing in first video since being found on Kangaroo Island

More than 500 days in the wilderness did nothing to dampen Valerie’s cheeky spirit, as she makes her video debut after being finally found. Watch it here.

She survived in the wilderness for 529 days, but the first video of the world’s most famous sausage dog since her capture proves she still has a taste for the finer things in life as she enjoys rolling in a plush doggie bed.

In a video shared on Facebook by Kangala Wildlife Rescue on Thursday, Valerie was practically convulsing with joy as she rolled on her back in the grey bed and chewed a lime green bone-shaped toy.

Soundtracked by 1980s hit Walking On Sunshine by Katrina & The Waves, the toy fell from the celebrity pooch’s mouth out of the bed amid the excitement, but Valerie smoothly kept chewing after it was replaced by a woman’s hand – showing the same seamless approach with which she has apparently adjusted back to domestic life.

The dog’s considerable social media following immediately sprung into action, with comments on the post including “She’s amazing! Look at her go!” and “So heartwarming to see her play”.

Kangala Wildlife Rescue are hosting Valerie, allowing her to “decompress” until she is picked up by her parents Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock.

The now found dachshund, Valerie, with Kangala Wildlife rescuer Lisa Karran, after her capture. Picture: Kangala Wildlife Rescue

Valerie the missing sausage dog on KI. Picture: Supplied

The rescue outfit captured the international icon on Anzac Day after she was missing on Kangaroo Island for 529 days.

“For anyone who’s ever lost a pet, your feelings are valid and never give up hope. Sometimes good things happen to good people,” Ms Gardner and Mr Fishlock previously said in a statement to The Advertiser.

“We’re incredibly grateful for Kangala Wildlife Rescue, the Kangaroo Island community, our friends, family and everyone who has contributed their support to rescue Val.

“We are tremendously excited to be seeing Valerie soon.”

Kangala Wildlife Rescue said volunteers spent “over 1000 hours” and travelled “5000km” during their search for the sneaky sausage.

Valerie the missing sausage dog on Kangaroo Island. Picture: Facebook

The not-for-profit used multiple trapping methods, treats and reminders of Valerie’s home to catch the pup, along with various cameras and “forms of technology”.

She was found was found 15km away from Stokes Bay.

Valerie’s story has captured hearts all over the world as she appeared in media outlets including The New York Times.

One fan from Arizona, Jennifer Henry, previously spoke to The Advertiser after first hearing about Valerie on her local Fox 10 Phoenix TV station.

“I’m now invested and hope and pray that they’re able to catch her and return her to her family,” she said.

“(It’s) such a great story of the resilience that animals have.”

Originally published as Sausage dog Valerie playing in first video since being found on Kangaroo Island