Happy birthday Valerie! She took the world by storm with her wild Kangaroo Island adventure, now the beloved pup is celebrating her third birthday
She’s the mischievous pup who captured the world’s attention after spending 529 days lost on an Aussie island. Now the castaway is celebrating back home.
SA News
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It’s already been a big year for Valerie the dachshund and now she is marking a special milestone – her first birthday back home.
The pup, who made international headlines after running wild on Kangaroo Island for 529 days will turn three on Thursday.
For her paw-rents, Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock it will be 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 in November 2023.
Since her grand return in April, the pair have been making up for lost time and will be throwing Valerie her own paw-ty to mark the occasion.
Along with their other dogs, Dorothy and Mason and cat, Lucy the pack will all be together to celebrate Valerie’s birthday with cuddles, new toys, a dog-friendly birthday cake and a “puppucino or two” on the agenda.
“(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 has even started her own Instagram page and was recently appointed as an ambassador for Australian crate brand, The Paws Room.
In her new role, she will “help raise awareness for lost pets” and encourage owners to invest in providing their 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.”
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Originally published as Happy birthday Valerie! She took the world by storm with her wild Kangaroo Island adventure, now the beloved pup is celebrating her third birthday
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