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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Hershey
Ivy
Bruno
Thomas ARP
Thomas (known as Tommy to his friends) is a calm and easy-going boy. He is outgoing without being overwhelming, he is affectionate and friendly. Thomas may be suitable to live with children aged 10+, and he may be suitable to live with small, medium or large dogs. If your looking for a calm, affectionate boy, Thomas could be the PAWfect addition to your family.
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.
Twix
Paprika
Opal
Gwen ARP
Meet Gwen,Gwen is a sweet and pretty little girl. Gwen is introverted and a little cautious. Gwen can be anxious in situations, but she does try to come out of her shell. With the right family, love and patience she will really blossom.Gwen may be suitable to live with a family that has older kids 15+. She also may be suitable to live with calm and respectful small, medium and large dogs.
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.
Zebra ARP
Meet Zebra. Zebra is a very handsome boy with a very lovable personality. He is quiet, calm, personable and friendly. He sometimes can be a little anxious, but he does try his hardest. Zebra may be suitable to live with children aged 10years and older, he also may be suitable to live with medium or large dogs.
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.
Roxie ARP
Meet Roxie. Roxie is a quiet, gentle girl with a calm and beautiful nature. She is polite, sweet and affectionate, and while she can be a little cautious at first, she will warm up with a little love and patience. Roxie may suit a home with children aged 10+, and she may be suitable to live with calm and respectful dogs of any size. Because of her calm and polite nature she also may suit an elderly owner.
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.