Written by
27 September 2023
1
min read
GAP partners with Police Veterans Victoria
Victoria’s Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) has announced an exciting new partnership with Police Veterans Victoria (PVV) which will reap enormous benefits for both parties.
The word is out about what wonderful pets greyhounds make, and GAP, an arm of Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV), plays a huge role in this by preparing greyhounds that are no longer suitable for racing for life as a family pet.
Partnering with PVV will allow GAP to tap into a new community of people which will enhance the lives of police veterans and lead to more greyhounds being adopted into loving families.
PVV CEO David McGowan said it is common for veterans to experience a range of mental health issues once they retire from the police force including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression.
PVV provides support to police veterans and their families through a range of initiatives including the Veteran Peer Support program, with referrals consistently up around 500 per cent year on year.
The PVV’s new partnership with GAP is aimed at helping police veterans who are feeling a loss of purpose to reconnect with the community and to bond with the adorable greyhound breed.
“PVV is thrilled to be partnering with GRV, with a shared aim of enriching the lives of our veterans as much as possible,” Mr McGowan said.
“This collaboration marks an exciting milestone for both our organisations as it opens up a world of exclusive benefits and opportunities for our esteemed members; from the GAP adoption program, to rewarding volunteer work.
“I have no doubt our members will find our partnership with the GAP highly rewarding.”
Police veterans will be involved in a range of activities including visits to GAP headquarters in Seymour, where they will help create experiences of enrichment for greyhounds including walking, grooming, general socialisation, basic training and building toys to help keep the dogs entertained.
Veterans will also be encouraged to become foster carers, to help greyhounds become accustomed to life as a domestic pet before they are adopted into their forever homes.
GRV CEO Stuart Laing said he was delighted to join forces with PVV.
“It’s great to be working with Police Veterans Victoria who do some amazing work for our first-line responders,” Mr Laing said.
The greyhound breed is set to enhance the lives of police veterans, who will partake in foster care, adoption and helping provide experiences of enrichment for retired race dogs.
“We’re excited about the opportunities this new partnership will bring. Greyhounds make amazing pets and are wonderful companions. They’re chilled, they don’t need a lot of exercise and are extremely docile.
“It can initially be quite challenging for greyhounds to make the transition to life as a domestic pet given they are raised on a farm before becoming professional athletes.
“We’d love to see some of our lovely greyhounds in the homes of a few of our police veterans. There’s the option of adopting a greyhound as a pet or becoming a foster carer, where they take the dogs for 3-4 weeks and get them used to new experiences such as climbing up and down stairs, noisy household appliances and meeting other dog breeds.
“The foster care process is extremely rewarding and an important phase of a greyhound’s life.”
Both GAP and the PVV are not-for-profit organisations.
GAP Victoria, which started in 1996, has found loving homes for thousands of retired greyhounds, has around 100 foster carers at any given time and is the biggest greyhound rehoming agency in the world.
To learn more about the Greyhound Adoption Program please click here
PVV was founded in 2019 and has over 4,600 members, four employees and 60 volunteers. PVV provides a range of services including responding to requests for support from police and veterans and their families; developing a member rewards program and other benefits to acknowledge veterans’ service; advocating for the wellbeing needs of police and PSO veterans; and developing support programs to help keep veterans and their families fit, happy and healthy.
To learn more about Police Veterans Victoria, please click here
Meet our dogs ready for adoption
All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.
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Willow ARP
We promise she has ears! Willow is a sweet little girl that can be a little unsure in new environments and will need a quiet and understanding new home to let her settle in. Once she is comfortable, we are sure a cheeky and playful little pup will emerge. Due to this, a home with a backyard and older children if any may be a better fit for her. She may even like the company of another male canine companion to help show her the world, as long as they are calm and respectful whilst she is adjusting. We think the best is yet to come with dear Willow and will make someone super pleased to have her in their life.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP).We have behavioural and health assessed this lovely dog, and they will remain with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting this particular dog, and not other dogs currently in our care.
Rocky
Nero
Marley ARP
Are you looking for a mature greyhound who may be happy to live with a smaller dog? Marley might be your lady! She is super sweet, friendly, and outgoing, and has all the love to give. Marley may be happiest in a home with children 10 years and over and might suit living with full time workers.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). We have behavioural and health assessed this lovely dog, and they will remain with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting this particular dog, and not other dogs currently in our care.
Poppy ARP
This is Poppy! Poppy is only a young girl, but we are happy to say that she has had some experience into pet life and she is toilet trained. Poppy can be a bit of an introvert and is not a big fan of people or dogs crowding her or in her face. She is friendly though to people that she trusts and knows.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). We have behavioural and health assessed this lovely dog, and they will remain with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting this particular dog, and not other dogs currently in our care.
Craig
Roger
Lulu ARP
You will go 'lala' over Lulu! She is stunning, puppyish and a tad shy but oh so sweet. She will show you her puppyish side once she starts to settle in and you will just fall in love. We think this pretty girl may suit living with another medium or larger male companion and maybe children 10 and over. Anice yard to relax in will be great for Lulu as well.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). Wehave behavioural and health assessed this lovely dog, and they will remain withtheir racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they arebrought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adoptingthis dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you willbe adopting this particular dog, and not other dogs currently in ourcare.
Mr D ARP
Hi! I’m Mr D! What’s that you say!? I’m handsome? Well, there is so much more to love about me than my handsome looks but ill point out my shiny coat, awesome pointy ears and a tail that winds up like a helicopter but most importantly I am a real sweet, friendly and fun boy that is always up for an adventure. I think I might be ok to live with children 10 and over or maybe even another medium or larger play buddy!
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP).We have behavioural and health assessed this lovely dog, and they will remain with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting this particular dog, and not other dogs currently in our care.