Should We Call It the Valerie Hug Me Harness?

Like millions of people around the world, I was utterly captivated by the story of Valerie, the missing dachshund on Kangaroo Island who survived alone in the wild for over 500 days. As a dachshund owner I followed every update anxiously.

She'd vanished while on holiday with her loving family, and for a long time, there was no trace of her. But then came hope: locals began reporting sightings of Valerie the dachshund on Kangaroo Island, and once those were confirmed, the incredible team at Kangala Wildlife Rescue stepped in with one goal, to bring her home safely.

With tireless dedication, they tracked her movements, left food drops, and set up a humane capture site. What followed was months of patience and perseverance. I was glued to every update. Having owned dachshunds for some 30 years with two current dachshunds of my own, I knew just how determined these little dogs could be. I kept thinking: Only a dachshund could survive something like this - that nose, those instincts!

But I also thought: How can I help?

The Hug Me Harness with a Purpose

A close friend reminded me of her own terrifying experience - when her dog slipped out of a poorly fitted harness and disappeared. After five long hours and an AirTag ping, she was found. Ever since, my friend has only trusted our Hug Me Harness - a comfy, canine physio-approved design that's made to be escape-proof, especially for long-bodied breeds like dachshunds.

So when the rescue of Valerie, the dachshund on Kangaroo Island, started to feel possible, I had an idea: what if I donated one of our Hug Me Harnesses to help keep her safe once she was found?

I reached out to Kangala Wildlife Rescue and offered to send two, one small and one medium (we weren't sure of her exact size). They were thrilled and so appreciative. The harnesses arrived just in time, literally the day before Valerie was finally captured.

And then… magic.

Seeing Valerie Safe in Her Hug Me Harness

Valerie was safely brought in, and the rescue team immediately placed her in the pink Hug Me Harness. She was finally safe. She couldn't slip out, and she looked so sweet.

Then the news broke.

Photos of Valerie, the dachshund, in her escape-proof Hug Me Harness appeared on Channel 7 and Channel 10. I was out to dinner when my phone started going wild — messages from friends, a call from my mum… "She's wearing your harness!"

I had no idea the moment would be captured, let alone broadcast nationwide. It was surreal and emotional to see this brave little dachshund finally secure, healthy, and wrapped in something I created to keep dogs like her safe. A harness designed for dachshunds, made to protect, became part of a story the whole country was watching.

Valerie, Paparazzi, and a Hug Me Harness Built for Security

Unfortunately, just days after her rescue, paparazzi and media crews trespassed onto Kangala Wildlife Rescue's private property. They took photos through windows without permission, including images of Valerie, the dachshund in her pink Hug Me Harness, resting safely inside.

I felt sick for the Kangala team. After everything they'd done to bring Valerie home, their trust and space were invaded. I reached out to check in on them — and of course, on Valerie.

Their response was everything:

"Your harnesses are incredible — it fits that well that I've stopped having nightmares we'll lose her again before her parents arrive “

That one message said it all: the Hug Me Harness gave them peace of mind in the middle of media chaos, just as it was designed to do.

 So… Should We Name It the Valerie Hug Me Harness?

Should we do it? Should we officially name it the Valerie Hug Me Harness?

Because this harness isn't just a product — it's peace of mind. It's the escape-proof dog harness that helped keep one brave little dachshund safe after the world had been holding its breath for over 500 days.

Valerie, this one's for you.

Thank You, Kangala and How to Support Their Next Rescue

A heartfelt thank you to Kangala Wildlife Rescue for their incredible dedication, commitment, and patience in capturing Valerie, the dachshund. Their compassion and tireless work gave this story the happy ending we were all hoping for.

On May 7th, Valerie was finally reunited with her devoted owners, Georgia and Josh - a moment filled with joyful, happy tears from people all around the world.

If you'd like to support Kangala Wildlife Rescue's incredible work, please consider donating. Every bit helps them continue rescuing and protecting vulnerable animals like Valerie:

Donate to Kangala Wildlife Rescue