13 Aug 2025
Pound Paws Dog Day on Sunday, August 31 at The Sheaf, Double Bay NSW. Chance to win the new Tilly crate & mat from The Paws Room valued at $935
After capturing hearts across the globe with her 529-day survival story on Kangaroo Island,
Valerie the Dachshund will make her first public appearance at Pound Paws Dog Day at The
Sheaf, Double Bay NSW on Sunday, August 31.
Valerie, now the official Ambassador for The Paws Room, will join her humans Georgia
Gardner and Josh Fishlock to raise awareness about supporting the emotional wellbeing of
rescue pets and helping them transition into home life.
The Paws Room – creators of stylish, sustainable wooden dog crates – played a key role in helping Valerie settle after her time in the wilderness, with expert guidance from Lara Shannon, dog behaviourist and host of Pooches at Play TV.
The Paws Room has also partnered with Pound Paws to match every donation made at checkout, supporting the charity’s rescue and rehoming efforts.
On Pound Paws Dog Day, the public is invited to attend Valerie’s exclusive VIP Meet & Greet at 12:45pm, explore the Crate Comfort Zone with expert advice on crate training, and meet adoptable dogs looking for forever homes – plus a whole lot more fun!
To mark the occasion, The Paws Room will unveil their new crate design Tilly and give one away (valued at RRP $795) along with a mat (RRP $140) to a lucky winner at the event!
“We’re so proud to unveil our newest crate design Tilly at Pound Paws Dog Day, a celebration of dogs and the deep connection we share with our pets,” said Eliza Kennedy, founder of The Paws Room.
“Created with both beauty and function in mind, there’s no better place to launch it than with our charity partner, who share our passion for helping dogs connect with their forever humans. Having our Ambassador Valerie by our side makes it all the more meaningful. She’s the perfect symbol of family connection and love, and a reminder of why we do what we do.”
The special day promises to be a heartfelt one for Valerie’s family, who continue to be moved by the impact her story has had around the world. On July 22, they appeared on SBS Insight’s Gone Missing episode, reflecting on their beloved dog’s nearly 18 months lost and the journey home.
“It feels so surreal to see Valerie go from a lost dog to a public figure, as ambassador of The
Paws Room,” said Georgia. “To think that this time last year she was lost, running around in the bush is unbelievable. Her story is incredible, as are the stories of many rescue dogs. It warms
my heart and makes me feel super proud to see all the things she's achieved in her short life so far, and how much impact she has and will create in the world.
“I’m most looking forward to meeting people and hearing how Valerie’s story impacted them, and the stories of how their dogs' lives have transformed from being rescued to being loved and adored pets.”
For Pound Paws founder Brittany Bloomer, Valerie’s journey home is a beacon of hope for
other rescue animals still waiting for their happy ending, and of what’s possible with love and a safe place to land.
“Valerie’s story is a beautiful example of the deep love shared between rescue dogs and their paw-rents,” said Brittany. “We hope her presence at the event inspires visitors to consider adopting, and reminds them that every rescue animal has a story worth saving. No matter what they’ve been through, dogs have an incredible ability to bounce back and thrive when given love and a second chance. Valerie is living proof of that, and a powerful reminder of the unbreakable bond between humans and their pets.”
Join Us at Pound Paws Dog Day in Double Bay!
Come meet Valerie in person at her first-ever public appearance!
Sunday 31st August
Valerie’s VIP Meet & Greet: 12:45pm
Crate Comfort Zone – learn about the power of crate training with guidance from experts.
Register to attend (FREE): https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/pound-paws-dog-day-at-the-sheaf-double-bay-tickets-1440034153919
Want to go in the draw to win a Tilly crate from The Paws Room?
1. Register for Pound Paws Dog Day
2. Make a $5 donation at checkout …and you’re in! The winner will be announced at the
event on the day!
For more information
The Paws Room www.thepawsroom.com.au | Pound Paws https://www.poundpaws.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/valerie_dachshund/ and on Tik Tok
https://www.tiktok.com/@thepawsroomcrates