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Todd McKenney commits to a third year as National Adoption Day Ambassador

grvadmin — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 03:30:13 +0000

For the third year, film and theatre star and TV personality Todd McKenney has signed on to be the official ambassador for the National Greyhound Adoption Day.

To promote the suitability of greyhounds as pets nationally, every Australian state will host an adoption day on April 19 to rehome former racing dogs. It’s the third of its kind and each year results in hundreds of former racing greyhounds successfully rehomed.

McKenney has two pet greyhounds of his own and said he fell in love with the breed after hearing about greyhound adoption from a friend.

“People’s perception of a greyhound and the reality of what a greyhound is actually like as a pet are often two different things. They are such a beautiful breed and often misunderstood,” McKenney said.

“They’re lazy, they’re loving, and they love to run like the wind – it’s amazing to watch. But they are just really relaxed dogs. I love that energy around me, they’re just slow, lazy and gorgeous.

“They really are the best dogs. They are playful, cheeky and fiercely loyal but it is their loving nature that I love the most. I just want to spread the word; I want greyhounds in every household I know of.”

Todd is currently playing Lord Farquaad in the production of Shrek – The Musical.

Victoria’s adoption day will be held at The Meadows racetrack, 80 Northcorp Boulevard, Broadmeadows.

Greyhound Racing Victoria’s adoption program found homes for a record 2631 dogs in 2018-19, doubling the record set the previous year of 1314.

GRV CEO Alan Clayton said the National Adoption Day was another initiative that fits with GRV’s focus on animal welfare as its overriding priority. “We want to ensure the best possible life for every Victorian greyhound before, during and after their racing careers,” Mr Clayton said.

“It is wonderful to be able to unite with the greyhound racing governing bodies of every other state in Australia to present what will be a momentous day for greyhound adoption in this country.”

GAP Pride on show at Midsumma Festival

grvadmin — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 05:13:35 +0000

Melbournians came out in droves for the 25^th anniversary of the Midsumma Pride March in St Kilda today, with a team from the Greyhound Adoption Program creating an enormous impact.

The annual Pride March, which attracts audiences of more than 50,000 people each year, celebrates the LGTBI community.

GRV Chair Peita Duncan was overwhelmed at the popularity of the greyhounds on the day.

“The love for greyhounds and the Greyhound Adoption Program during the Pride March had to be seen to be believed. So many people were yelling out ‘oh my god, greyhounds’. It was unreal,” Ms Duncan said.

VIDEO: GRV Chair Peita Duncan moments before the Pride March.

“We are a diverse industry and it makes me feel proud to be doing this. We’ve got a lot of adopters here today and it’s great to be part of such a great event.”

Also among the GAP representatives were drag queens Adiva De Q (Rodney) and Chandon Moet (Sean), who adopted Barney at last month’s record-breaking three-day adoption event.

“This is our sixth (appearance at the) Pride March, and to do it with GAP today is awesome,” said Adiva De Q.

The march kicked off from Ian Johnson Oval, and continued down Fitzroy Street to Catani Gardens in a sea of colour before the post parade celebrations commenced.

The Midsumma Pride March is growing in popularity each year, and GRV and GAP fully appreciate the importance of fostering an inclusive society, industry and racing code.

‘Love affair’ continues with 148 adoptions in three days

grvadmin — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 04:06:35 +0000

And that’s a wrap!

The Greyhound Adoption Program’s annual three-day adoption event has come to an end for another year.

In 2020 records have been set all weekend, culminating in a total of 148 greyhounds finding new homes, the highest number of greyhounds adopted in a single event.

Greyhound Racing Victoria’s Chair Peita Duncan said it was no surprise that the record was broken.

“This just shows the love affair the Victorian public has with the greyhound breed,” Ms Duncan said.

“The secret is out and there are now thousands of greyhounds in homes and apartments right across the state.”

“The most pleasing thing about the weekend is we have found loving homes for more than 140 of our beautiful greyhounds.”

“I’m sure all the people who have taken home greyhounds this weekend will join me in saying well done again to our GAP staff and volunteers who have matched them with their new family member.”

GAP Re-homing Manager Sean Stanton was overwhelmed at the achievements of the weekend.

“This is a tough event to prepare for and it’s a taxing weekend on staff and volunteers, but I’m so thankful to everyone for their hard work. The results speak for themselves,” said Sean.

“Last year’s record of 110 was something that I thought we could match, but the response this year has been amazing and my thanks go out to all the GAP staff and volunteers who have worked across the three days. Well done!”

If you would like to find out more information about adopting a greyhound, please contact GAP on 03 5799 0166.

2020 EVENT SNAPSHOT

81 adopted Friday
51 adopted Saturday
16 adopted Sunday
148 adopted in total out of a possible 152 greyhounds
Last year’s record of 110 over the three days has been smashed by 38

Staff and volunteers had reason to smile after a hugely successful event.

New adoption record as 132 greyhounds re-homed in two days

grvadmin — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 06:30:10 +0000

A new record for the number of greyhounds adopted at a single event has fallen with 132 greyhounds finding new homes at the Greyhound Adoption Program’s three-day fee-waived adoption event at Seymour so far, still with one more day to go.

After 81 of the 110 greyhounds up for adoption found homes on Friday, a further 51 went home with their new families on Saturday.

This brought the total number of greyhounds adopted across the weekend to 132, surpassing the record set last year of 110 adopted over the 2019 three-day event.

One of the 71 greyhounds adopted today was Pickle, who went with the Kestle Family (pictured above). Wayne, Nicole, Meg and Flynn were particularly overjoyed with Pickle.

Meg and Flynn were most excited about showing pickle his new backyard.

“We are super happy and can’t wait to play with him all day,” said Meg and Flynn.

Parents Wayne and Nicole said they had fancied adopting a greyhound for a while now.

“We have three or four in our street and we have fallen in love with the breed. We were planning to adopt this weekend a while ago, so the fee-waived event was a bonus.”

Pickle was fostered by veteran GAP Volunteer Pam, who said that the greyhound’s new family was the perfect fit.

“Pickle is the most fun greyhound I have had in my 11 years of fostering, and for him to find a home with such a lovely family is the best thing I could want for him.”

Mr Alan Clayton, CEO of Greyhound Racing Victoria, which manages GAP, said it was no surprise that the record was broken.

“The two days so far have been so exciting. We’ve adopted a record number of dogs, and found them new families, friends and forever homes. We’re just so thrilled with all the support we have received from everyone,” Mr Clayton said.

With one more day to go of the three-day adoption bonanza, attendees tomorrow can expect a further 20 greyhounds ready to be adopted.

If you are planning on adopting a greyhound, please register at – http://gap.grv.org.au/adopt-a-greyhound

If you would like to find out more information about adopting a greyhound, please contact GAP on 03 5799 0166.

GAP’s adoption long weekend underway

grvadmin — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 04:29:34 +0000

The Greyhound Adoption Program’s three-day adoption event began today at the Seymour GAP facility with 110 greyhounds up for adoption.

We should have called the day ‘clear the kennels’ as an extraordinary 81 greyhounds found their new fur-ever homes some of the 220 people who made the trip today.

Among those finding homes was Thunder, who is off to Leon’s house to have a wonderful new life as a mental health companion dog. Leon said “The breed is fantastic. I have been working with GAP staff for a few weeks now to find the perfect greyhound, and today Thunder choose me.”

Leon has also attended the greyhound races at Bendigo in the last few weeks to see owner and GAP volunteer Ros Russell’s dogs race. “It’s been a fantastic experience for me” said Ros.

“Being able to assist someone to find a greyhound that is perfect for them as well as showing them the racing life of greyhounds has been incredibly satisfying.” Ros and Leon have become great friends through the experience and will be walking their GAP greyhounds and going to the races together in the future.

GAP’s annual 3-day adoption event is the only one of its kind, when the $100 adoption fee is waived, an offer which continues Saturday and Sunday.

The event continues Saturday and Sunday, so if you were not up in Seymour today make sure to pop up the Hume and see more Greyhounds find their new families over the weekend. 70 dogs will be available for adoption on Saturday.

At last year’s three-day event held in January, 110 greyhounds were adopted over the weekend, so it looks like a record-breaking long weekend…

Register for Saturday or Sunday here – http://gap.grv.org.au/events/greyhound-adoption-day/

Register to adopt a greyhound here - http://gap.grv.org.au/adopt-a-greyhound/

GAP Seymour Three Days of Adoption

grvadmin — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 22:20:33 +0000

IT’S ON AGAIN! Our annual three-day adoption extravaganza at GAP Seymour! Come along to our super-duper, amazing, spectacular, total fantastic FEE WAIVED adoption weekend.

Do you have a spare, unused or unwanted trailer?

grvadmin — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 23:24:35 +0000

Any participants who have a spare, air-conditioned trailer they would be willing to lease or loan to GRV from mid-Jan to mid-March please contact us on 03 8329 1108 or email welfare@grv.org.au

GAP greyhounds are visiting the Esplanade market this Sunday. Coming for a pat?

grvadmin — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 00:46:38 +0000

Still need to do your Christmas shopping? Fancy a day strolling the Esplanade?

Whatever the reason may be, make the journey to the eccentric St Kilda Esplanade Markets this Sunday where they have plenty on offer, from body products, homewares, paintings, jewellery, and greyhounds.

Yep. That’s right.

This Sunday’s market will be extra unique with the Greyhound Adoption Program on site from 10am to 1pm to answer any questions you may have regarding fostering or adopting a greyhound.

So come down, grab a bit to eat, wander around the quirky stalls and cuddle a quirky greyhound! You might just find your next pet…

WHERE: The Esplanade, St Kilda.

WHEN: Sunday 15th December 10am to 4pm (GAP on site until 1pm).

Fostering greyhounds; why, what and how?

grvadmin — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 04:31:21 +0000

One of the reasons Victoria’s Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) is the most successful greyhound adoption organisation in the world is the attention paid to transitioning the former racing dog from kennel life to domestic life, through the fostering program.

To promote the concept, GAP has enlisted the help of one of Melbourne radio’s most familiar voices, 3AW’s summer breakfast co-host Kate Stevenson, to explain the tips and tricks of successful fostering.

Kate’s a veteran fosterer, with 11 dogs under her belt and, to quote Kate, “there will definitely be a number 12.”

The video series features Kate at home with foster number 11 – Bonti – plus GAP’s Volunteer and Foster Coordinator Rose Streatfield. Between them they explain exactly what’s expected of a fosterer, why some greyhounds need it and some practical ideas about how to get the most from the experience.

Many greyhounds benefit from socialisation before they’re ready for adoption. This gets them used to a domestic life, with all of the sights, sounds, and lifestyle we take for granted.

If fostering and socialising a greyhound for about three weeks sounds like something you might enjoy, this video series will explain much of the process.

See the series at:
gap.grv.org.au/fostercare.

After watching, if you have more questions,
you’re welcome to contact Rose directly at
fostercare@grv.org.au.

Greyhound community turns out in droves

grvadmin — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 22:17:16 +0000

Almost 1000 people turned out at The Meadows for yesterday’s Greyhound Community Day.

Doggy market stalls, food trucks, galloping yards, educational track tours and free dog washes were all part of the day, as greyhound lovers gathered to proudly show off their pooches and celebrate the adorable breed.

An adoption arm was also tied into the event, with 13 greyhounds finding loving homes including a blue-coloured dog named Steele.

“He’s just a beautiful dog and you don’t get many this colour. He’s just awesome. He’s a good, friendly dog,” said Steele’s new owner, James, who was well-prepared for bringing his new best friend home with him.

“I was going to get a new bed for myself and put my bed in the spare room (for Steele) but I’ve bought a big dog bed from Kmart instead, one of the huge ones, along with some toys so he’s going to love it.”

A further eight greyhounds that were available for adoption on the day were returned to the Greyhound Adoption Program’s Seymour headquarters until they find their forever homes.

Greyhound Racing Victoria hosts up to two Community Days in Melbourne each year to say thanks to the thousands of Victorians that adopt or foster greyhounds once their racing careers come to an end.

Yesterday’s event received national exposure, with greyhound racing’s new TV show ‘Thrill Of The Chase’ making several live crosses to The Meadows from 7Mate studios.

PHOTO GALLERY