Valerie the dachshund lost on Kangaroo Island makes social media debut

She captured hearts across the globe with her unbelievable story of survival and now Valerie the sausage dog’s parents have revealed her next move. Find out what it is.

The world’s most famous sausage dog, Valerie has soared to social media stardom after starting an Instagram page to share regular pup-dates as she settles back into the life of a pet.

The miniature dachshund captured hearts across the globe with her incredible story of survival after spending 529 days on the run on Kangaroo Island.

In April, after finally being tracked down by local charity, Kangala Wildlife Rescue, Valerie was reunited with her paw-rents, Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock.

Valerie has nearly been back in her home town of Albury for a month with Ms Gardner and Mr Fishlock having nothing but praise for their “spoiled” girl.

“She is great, she is amazing,” Ms Gardner told The Advertiser on Saturday.

“Honestly she is the best behaved dog we have.”

Valerie the dog reunited with her owners, Georgia and Josh, at Kangala Wildlife Rescue. Picture: Dean Martin

Valerie has been welcomed back into her pack by fellow-sausage sister, Dorothy, cattle dog, Mason and feline friend, Lucy.

“We haven’t really had any problems with (Valerie),” Ms Gardner said.

“She just kind of came back was like ‘okay back to being a little dog.

“She is currently just sitting on my lap.”

The couple adopted Dorthy, a brown miniature dachshund after Valerie went missing with the pair of pooches taking a moment to warm up to each other.

“They were both a little bit jealous of each other especially with attention (from us) but they’re best friends now,” Ms Gardner said

“They just run around and play tug of war … it was pretty incredible.”

Josh Fishlock with Valerie and Dorothy Picture: Instagram

The young couple were astounded to see Valerie recognise them after being separated for nearly 18 months and were even more shocked to see her greet her fur-siblings as if they were old friends.

“When we reintroduced her to Mason they recognised each other and they got really excited and they were wagging their tails and running around,” Ms Gardner said.

“She recognised Lucy (the cat) as well … she must not have had too many problems with the feral cats (on Kangaroo Island) then.”

“It’s pretty crazy when we’re laying in bed with her and she’s just curled back up and just to know that that’s her safe space and she feels so comfortable to be back in our bed … it’s pretty remarkable,” Mr Fishlock added.

“It’s good to think now that she’s home, she’s safe (and) she is not out fighting for her life anymore. She’s done the hard yards.”

Lucy, Dorothy and Valerie curled up together at home. Picture: Supplied

Life as the world’s biggest pup-star has been treating Valerie well with many locals stopping her for selfies and pats.

“We went on the Million Paws Walk for the RSPCA and they called her the celebrity dog and that whole day we were just getting stopped by every single person wanting to take pictures and … giving us encouragement and support,” Ms Gardner said.

“We have been stopped a couple of times – normally it is just because they see the black and tan (coat) and then they go ‘is that Valerie?’ kind of as a joke and then we will be like ‘it actually is’ and they will be like ‘oh my goodness’.”

The celebrity service does not stop there with Valerie receiving multiple packages from pet brands to welcome her home.

Treats, food and toys have all been delivered to the famous pooch with her paw-rents grateful for the ongoing support.

She even received a new crate from The Paws Room.

“She went through (who knows what) and now she’s back to being spoiled at home,” Ms Gardner said.

Valerie out and about with owner, Josh Fishlock. Picture: Supplied

Valerie in her new crate at home. Picture: Instagram

Despite her tale coming to an end, Valerie’s fans have been eager to keep following the next chapter with the pooch’s family starting her an Instagram page to satisfy her supporters.

The page has already amassed more than 6,500 followers with each post receiving hundreds of likes and comments.

A collection of photos shared on the one week anniversary of Valerie’s homecoming revealed that she had “settled back into home life smoothly”.

“Her first week has been filled with warmth, cuddles, first walks, media interviews, introductions and reintroductions,” the caption read.

The clever pup even showed off some of the skills she learnt during her time in the wild while stealing a bucket of popcorn off the kitchen counter to share with her furry friends.

She has marked many milestones already including her first bath and first podcast appearance on influencer Adele Maree’s ‘Your Safe Space Podcast’.

“So many people were touched by her story, it would be mean for them not to see how she’s reintegrating into home and people,” Ms Gardner said.

“It makes people really happy when they see her.”

Cheeky Valerie the popcorn thief at home. Picture: Instagram

Valerie’s first bath at home. Picture: Instagram

The dog mum said she would not rule out Valerie being the next Doug the Pug, who shot to social media stardom in 2014 and has since won two People’s Choice Awards for Animal Star.

“Watch this space,” Ms Gardner said.

The candid canine has even secured herself a new nickname, ‘Wombat’ as a tribute to her new muscular appearance and love of burrowing into her bed.

“We’re still trying to come to terms with the fact that Val’s home … to think she was out there for so long just surviving it pretty incredible,” Mr Fishlock said.

“Our little family is back together,” Ms Gardner added.

Originally published as Valerie the dachshund lost on Kangaroo Island makes social media debut