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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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Harris

3 years old

Talk about a big softie! This lovely boy is such a sweetheart, he leans into you pats and looks up to you with his big eyes. He can be a little shy in new environments but soon bounces back to his joyful self! We think he may suit many households as long as there is a nice yard for him to relax and explore in.

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Bobby

3 years old

Bobby is a lovely young man, just look at his beautiful light-coloured eyes, they seem to stare into your soul. Bobby is a social, friendly and affectionate boy who is keen to move into his furever home. He may suit living with or without a canine pal of similar size and children aged 10years and older.

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Latte

1 years old

Attention coffee lovers, Latte may be the dog for you! Latte may be an addiction to her new owner as she is so fun, she will have them in fits of endless laughter with her antics. She is only a young girl being not even 2 years old. She is very bouncy girl and doesn't realise her own size at times. With her young and active nature will likely do best in a home with a backyard to run and play in. She may also do best in a home with children aged 10 years and older and may be OK to live with or without a playful dog of any size.
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Prince

4 years old

Meet the royal man himself, Prince! Prince can be a bit of an introvert at times and takes a little time to warm up to people, but once he does he will be your loyal companion and best friend! Prince is also a bit of independent chap who isn't a dog to follow you around and demand pats all the time, so he enjoys the quiet life of his own company. We are happy to report that Prince is a dream to walk on lead, no pulling or being erratic. Prince may suit living with or without a canine companion of any size and would do best in a home with no children. We feel that Prince also wouldn't suit living in an apartment or the busy and bustle of the city. Prince is scared of men so he would prefer to live in a female only home. He also has stranger danger and will bark or growl at new people to the home but improves when he gets used to them.
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Buddy

7 years old

If you're looking for your new Buddy, then we've got your guy! Buddy is a nice quiet, sweet, and personable boy who loves a cuddle once he warms up to you. He does have a little timidness when it comes to smaller dogs and while he is fine living with full time workers, he would also be ok to live with a quieter, more placid poochy sibling of any size. He's looking for a child free home.
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Soba

5 years old

Loving this girl is something no one needs to noodle-over! Beautiful Soba is a super sweet energetic girl with a heart of gold. With her striking good looks and affectionate nature, Soba would potentially suit a home with another medium or large canine friend, but her playful ways mean she would not suit a home with a small dog or a cat. She may do well in a home with children 5+ to play with.
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Bertha

8 years old

Dont worry - Bertha does have two ears! She just has selective hearing like most Greyhounds we know. Bertha may be 8yrs old but she is still a puppy at heart. She loves to do zoomies, play and actively watches all the things happening at GAP - some would say she is a bit of a sticky-beak but we think she just wants to make sure she gets her share of attention for the day. Bertha is such a sweet, gentle and affectionate lady and she will shower her new family in love and have them laughing at her silly antics all day. We think she may suit living with another male dog of any size and children 5+.
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Boston

3 years old

Meet Boston, the greyhound who's ready to take your heart by storm! This sweet and puppyish girl is an impulsive and extroverted ball of energy, always looking for her next adventure. Boston loves to play, snuggle, and get into all sorts of mischief - just like a true Bostonian, she's a force to be reckoned with! Boston may be suited to a home with kids aged 10+ who can keep up with her energetic antics and appreciate her fun-loving personality. She's looking for a household where she's the only dog or with a canine companion that's compatible with her lively vibe. Due to her high energy levels, Boston requires a home with a backyard where she can run around and play to her heart's content. No old or frail dogs or people, please - this girl's got a marathon of playtime ahead of her! If you're ready to adopt a little piece of Beantown charm, Boston might be the perfect fit!
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Willow ARP

3 years old

Meet Willow, the charming and affectionate greyhound who's looking for a forever home. This sweet girl has a strong desire to please and loves people, but she's still working on her manners - she can get a bit excited and jump up on people. With patience and training, Willow will thrive and become a loving companion. Willow may be suited to a home with kids aged 10+ and active adults who will appreciate her playful and loving nature. She's looking for a household where she's the only dog, and due to her energy levels, Willow requires a home with a secure yard and no apartments, please. She's also looking for a home with no old or frail people. Willow may be suited to live with a cat if introduced properly. If you're an active and patient family who can provide the right environment, Willow might be the perfect fit!
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Diesel

3 years old

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Meet Diesel, the handsome and charming greyhound who's looking for a forever home. This friendly boy has a bit of an independent streak, but loves treats and will warm up to you in no time. Diesel is a big boy with some rough edges, and he's looking for an experienced owner who can help him polish up his manners. Diesel may be suited to a home with kids aged 10+, who will appreciate his friendly and independent nature. He's looking for a household where he's the only dog or with a compatible medium to large dog friend. Due to his size and energy, Diesel requires a home with a secure yard and active owners who can provide the right environment - no apartment dwellers or elderly individuals, please. If you're an experienced owner looking for a loyal companion with a bit of character, Diesel might be the perfect fit!
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