If there was one thing that stood at last weekend’s Free Family Fun day at the Healesville Greyhound Association, it’s that greyhounds love to race.

Not that there was any racing going on during the event – which was held by GRV to celebrate the wonderful greyhound breed – but if there was the 120 former racing greyhounds in attendance would’ve been queuing up to be a part of the action.

That’s the word from primary school teacher Pia Lindner, who brought her pet greyhound Charlie along, and said the tour of the Yarra Valley venue was an eye opener for many visitors.

“The tour of the facility were really interesting, and involved walking in groups all the way up to the starting boxes, which got all the greyhounds really excited,” Pia said.

“Walking alongside the track, the greyhounds’ ears pricked up and they suddenly had an extra spring in their step. It was obvious that all they wanted to do was get on the track and race.”

“Walking alongside the track, the greyhounds’ ears pricked up and they suddenly had an extra spring in their step. It was obvious that all they wanted to do was get on the track and race” – GAP adopter Pia Lindner

“This wasn’t a surprise to me personally, but you could tell that a lot of adopters there on the day had never had much to do with greyhound racing before and they couldn’t believe how excited their dogs were getting, pulling eagerly on their leads. It really dispelled the myth that greyhounds don’t like to race.”

Pia had the very important role of looking after Greyhound Adoption Program mascot Turbo (aka boyfriend James Coley) on the day, and said it was a huge success.

“It was a really nice social event. There was a good mix of fun activities for kids and a great chance to learn as there were educational talks from experienced greyhound vets about topics like general health and what to do in an emergency situation.”

“And it was absolutely amazing that virtually everything was free including food and coffee. I’m really looking forward to the next one.”

GRV is looking at hosting its next Free Family Fun Day in celebration of the greyhound breed in the New Year, possibly as soon as March.

Pictured top: An excitable greyhound bounds across the lawn towards the racetrack.