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16 March 2023

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Happy birthday GAP, we’re proud of you.

Happy birthday GAP, we’re proud of you.

March 17 marks the 27th anniversary of the founding of Victoria’s Greyhound Adoption Program, which is a significant milestone for the welfare of former racing greyhounds, and probably the most successful greyhound re-homing service in the world.

In 1997, two veterinary nurses from Sandown Park, Mel Tochner and Anita Smith, saw the need to find retirement homes for the dogs they cared for at the track.

Mel and Anita realised that most racing dogs retire at around four or five years of age; probably only a third of their life.

The continued success is the tangible result of Greyhound Racing Victoria’s welfare priority; that racing dogs are promised a happy retirement.

From these humble beginnings, the world’s most successful greyhound adoption program was born. GAP now regularly finds homes for up to 1000 greyhounds every year and assists other adoption agencies reach double that figure.

Apart from the successful promotion of the greyhound as a pet, particularly suitable for urban living, the program has been the catalyst for a whole community of like-minded greyhound owners who have formed walking groups and social media assemblies where may new friends have been made. The sheer volume of images of greyhounds in silly poses that adorn the internet is staggering; not to mention wildly funny…

The secret is out. The greyhound is now on ‘next pet’ lists throughout Australia and regularly appears on ‘most popular’ breed lists, thanks to their beautiful nature and the work of people like Mel, Anita and the hundreds of volunteers and staff members who have dedicated themselves to the breed.

Here’s to GAP. 27 years young, many more happy retirements to come.

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Meet our dogs ready for adoption

All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.

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Bushy

3 years old

Bushy is a handsome greyhound who is still finding his feet in the world. Timid, anxious and often a little tense, he can seem shut down in unfamiliar situations, but beneath it all is a dog who is genuinely trying his best. Bushy takes comfort from calm, predictable environments and appears to enjoy the company of another confident greyhound who can help show him the ropes and gently encourage him to come out of his shell. To help him thrive, Bushy will need a quiet home with no children, a peaceful neighbourhood, and a secure backyard where he can decompress and build confidence at his own pace. With patience, understanding and the support of a canine companion, this sweet and sensitive boy has the potential to blossom into a loyal and devoted friend.
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Gaskin

5 years old

Gaskin is a handsome greyhound with a gentle, quiet nature and a personality that is sure to win hearts. Sweet, affectionate, and full of puppyish charm, he loves spending time with his people and has a quirky habit of “smiling” that never fails to bring a smile in return. Gaskin is a loving companion who enjoys affection and would thrive in a home with children aged 10 years and over or adults, but is not suitable for a home with elderly residents. He would be happiest as an only dog or with a compatible medium to large canine companion. Having successfully completed behavioural rehabilitation training, Gaskin has worked hard and is now ready to find his forever home. Due to his training requirements, he cannot live with small dogs. With his sweet temperament, unique character, and endearing grin, Gaskin is ready to become a much-loved member of a lucky family.
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George

3 years old

Gorgeous George! Is there anything better than a hound named George? We are smitten with this loveable lad, he is sweet, affectionate, loves looking up at you with his beautiful eyes and asking for just one more chin scratch please! He is quite an unusual Red Brindle as he has minimal stripes on his coat, just another quirky thing to love about him! We think George may suit living with another Greyhound friend and an active home that will keep up to his enthusiasm for life. George has been living as a pet for the past year and is ready to find his perfect home! George has a low-grade heart murmur, which doesn't affect him or require medicating. He also has Pannus, which is an auto immune disease of the eyes, which is controlled by daily eye drops. George has recently had a lymph node flare up, which is stable and will likely resolve in it's own time.
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Cotton

4 years old

Like the song says, everyone will be asking, “Where did you come from, where did you go?” when they meet Cotton! This charming greyhound is a sweet, confident and larger-than-life character who approaches every day with puppyish enthusiasm and an extroverted zest for life. Despite only having one eye, Cotton doesn't let anything slow him down and tackles life with boundless optimism, plenty of boisterous energy and an endless supply of affection. He is looking for a home with adults or dog-savvy children aged 10 years and over who are comfortable around big, energetic dogs, and is not suited to living with elderly people. Cotton would be happy as either an only dog or with a compatible canine companion, and he will need a securely fenced backyard where he can stretch his legs, play and enjoy his daily adventures. If you're searching for a fun-loving, unforgettable greyhound with a unique look and a huge personality, Cotton is ready to dance his way into your heart.
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Crippa

4 years old

Crippa is a handsome black boy with a big heart and an even bigger love for people. Sweet, friendly, and affectionate, he thrives on human companionship and will happily seek out eye contact, eager to connect with those around him. His puppyish enthusiasm and desire to please make him a fun and engaging companion who is always ready for attention, affection, or an adventure by your side. Crippa absolutely adores people and enjoys being involved in whatever his family is doing. He would suit a home with children aged 10 years and over who can appreciate his cheerful and affectionate nature. Crippa is best suited to being the only dog in the home, where he can soak up all the love and attention for himself. With his loving personality, striking looks, and devotion to his people, Crippa is sure to make a wonderful addition to a lucky family.
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Scooby

6 years old

Everyone needs a Scooby-doo in their life! He is fun-loving, happy, bouncy extrovert that is ready to Scooby doo-bee-do! We think this handsome boy would be ok with a family with children 15 and over and ready to play and also another medium or larger canine friend. No apartments for this boy as he cant wait to show you his zoomies and play in the yard. No elderly or frail dogs or people either as he is still learning how to control his enthusiasm to life.
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Carlin

5 years old

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Carlin is sweet, friendly and full of personality, Carlin is a fun-loving boy who approaches life with enthusiasm! This playful pup loves his zoomies and will happily burst into a silly sprint. He's puppyish, outgoing and always keen to engage, often seeking eye contact with his people and looking for guidance. Carlin is eager to please and loves being involved in the action. Carlin would thrive in a home with a secure backyard where he can burn off some energy and enjoy his daily zoomies. He would be best suited to a home without children and may enjoy living with a robust medium to large dog, or he could happily be your one and only.
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Federal

5 years old

Federal is a handsome greyhound with a distinguished grey face and a friendly, outgoing personality that makes him impossible not to love. Confident, personable, and affectionate, he enjoys being involved in whatever his people are doing and isn't shy about seeking attention, sometimes showing his enthusiasm by jumping up to say hello. Federal would be best suited to a home with children aged 10 years and over or adults, and is not suitable for a home with elderly residents. He would thrive as an only dog or with a compatible medium to large canine companion. Having successfully completed behavioural rehabilitation training, Federal has worked hard and is ready to begin a new chapter with a loving family. Due to his training requirements, he cannot live with small dogs. With his charming nature, affectionate heart, and striking silver-faced good looks, Federal is sure to make a loyal and entertaining companion.
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Milo ARP

3 years old

How cute is lovely little Milo? She is a super friendly, happy and social girl who loves to please. She can have a puppyish and playful side at times, but she also loves a snuggle! Milo might be happy to live in a home with or without another medium or large canine companion and children aged 10 years and over. She may suit living in a home with full time workers as long as she is part of the family's day-to-day activities.

This greyhound is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). Through this program, greyhounds stay with their current owners while they wait to find their perfect forever home.

If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.

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Audrea

3 years old

Audrea is a beautiful 3-year-old greyhound with a gentle, sweet nature. She’s playful, low energy, and loves the comfort of a familiar routine. While she can be a little shy and anxious when meeting new people, with patience, kindness, and reassurance, Audrea’s lovely personality begins to shine through. Audrea is looking for a patient and understanding home that will give her the time she needs to settle in, build trust, and grow in confidence. Having another friendly greyhound in the home is essential for her, as she takes great comfort from canine companionship and thrives with a confident greyhound friend by her side. Sometimes Audrea may bark when she’s feeling unsure or seeking reassurance, but it’s simply her way of communicating and is never threatening. Once she feels safe and secure, she is a calm and affectionate companion who enjoys being part of the family. If you’re looking for a gentle soul to nurture and watch blossom, Audrea could be the perfect addition to your home. With love, patience, and a greyhound buddy, she is sure to reward you with endless loyalty and companionship. Due to her timidity, she is not suitable to a home with children or in an apartment. Audrea is blind in one eye.
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