Written by
16 March 2023
1
min read
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.
Meet our dogs ready for adoption
All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.
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Wamba Yamba
Laz
Wally now Rex
Rashid
Gozleme
Petal
Brae ARP
Brae is a pretty little girl with a quiet and sweet nature. She’s personable and loves her pats, leaning into affection once she feels safe. Brae can be a little stress at times and is submissive, so she’s looking for a calm, understanding home where she can relax and build her confidence. She would thrive as an only dog but may be suitable to live with medium or large dogs, she also may be suitable to live with kids10+. Because Brae is a little stress at times, she would suit a quiet neighbourhood.
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 no other dogs currently in our care.
BJ
Gus ARP
Gus is a super handsome, friendly and affectionate dude who has a lot of love to give! He has been affectionately referred to as a "boof head" as he loves to be in your business! He is on the smaller side for a male but he makes up for it in personality! Gus may suit living in a home with or without another medium or large canine companion and children aged 10 years and over. Gus may even suit living in a home with full time workers!
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept 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 them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
Hank Hill