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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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Gilly

5 years old

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Meet Gilly, a tall, irresistible greyhound with model looks and a personality to match. He’s as sweet as they come, friendly to everyone he meets, and always keen to make a new friend—especially if that friend happens to have treats. Outgoing, personable, and just the right amount of cheeky, Gilly has mastered the art of charming his way into both hearts and snack cupboards. He’s equally happy showing off a burst of zoomies or settling in close for some well-earned relaxation. Gilly would thrive in a home with children aged 10 and over who can appreciate his gentle but enthusiastic nature. He’s not suited to apartment living, as he enjoys having space to stretch his long legs, and he may be a bit too lively for an elderly household. If you’re looking for a handsome, affectionate companion who brings energy, warmth, and a healthy appreciation for treats, Gilly could be the perfect addition to your family.
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Thyme ARP

5 years old

Thyme is a lovely female greyhound with a calm, gentle presence that makes her an absolute pleasure to be around. Sweet, outgoing, and deeply affectionate, she enjoys human company and rewards her people with plenty of love and quiet companionship. Whether she’s relaxing by your side or greeting you with a soft, happy demeanor, Thyme’s easy-going nature makes her a wonderful addition to a peaceful home.

She may suit a range of living situations, including apartments, and may even be a great match for an elderly owner looking for a devoted companion. Thyme may be suitable for a home with children aged 5 and over, and she may like either to be the only dog or with a suitable canine companion. With her gentle temperament and affectionate personality, Thyme is ready to bring warmth and calm companionship to her forever home.

Thyme 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.

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Alli

3 years old

Meet Alli, a friendly and outgoing greyhound who is full of personality and charm. He’s an affectionate boy who enjoys spending time with his people, while also showing an independent side that allows him to happily do his own thing. Alli is especially fond of tasty treats and absolutely loves a good butt scratch, making him both entertaining and rewarding to be around. His confident and social nature makes him best suited to a home with children aged 10 and over or adults who can match his easygoing and engaging vibe. Alli would thrive either as the only dog, where he can soak up all the attention, or alongside a compatible medium to large canine companion. While he’s not suited to an elderly household, he will flourish in a home that understands and appreciates his balance of affection and independence. With his lovable quirks and warm personality, Alli is ready to bring joy, companionship, and plenty of fun to his forever home.
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Sadie

6 years old

Sadie is a sweet and sensible girl with a lovely easy - going nature. She's friendly, outgoing and confident, making her a joy to have around. Sadie is personable and settles in well, enjoying both company and her own space. She could suit a home on her own or with medium to large dogs, and may be suitable for a family with children aged 5+.
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Poppy

3 years old

Meet Poppy — a vibrant and outgoing greyhound who wears her heart on her sleeve. This beautiful girl is incredibly affectionate and loves to connect with her people, often seeking eye contact as if she’s sharing a quiet conversation. Poppy is also highly food-motivated, making treats the way to her heart and a great tool for building your bond. Her friendly, playful nature makes her a joy to be around, and she thrives on attention and companionship. Poppy would do best in a home with adults or families with children aged 10+, where her enthusiasm and sensitivity will be well matched. She is suited as an only dog or can happily coexist with a compatible medium to large dog. Having successfully completed behavioural rehabilitation training, Poppy is not suitable to live with small dogs or cats. In the right home, she will be a devoted and loving companion who brings warmth, fun, and affection every day.
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Anna

5 years old

Anna is a gentle, sweet greyhound whose quiet charm wins hearts wherever she goes. Pretty and affectionate, she enjoys spending time with her people and forming close bonds with those she trusts. Anna has a puppyish side that emerges once she feels comfortable, bringing moments of playfulness and joy to her day. Naturally more introverted, she prefers a calm and predictable environment where she can relax, build confidence and enjoy life at her own pace. Anna is best suited to a home with adults or children aged 10 years and over and is not suitable for homes with elderly residents. She could happily live as an only dog, or alongside a well-matched medium to large canine companion. Anna is not suitable for homes with cats. Thanks to her gentle nature, she may be suited to apartment living provided her exercise, enrichment and companionship needs are met. In the right home, Anna will be a loving, loyal and devoted companion who will flourish with patience, kindness and understanding. Anna has a low-grade heart murmur, which doesn't require medicating, and doesn't affect her day-to-day life.
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Lani

3 years old

Meet Lani, a stunning brindle girl with a big personality to match her good looks. Outgoing, confident, and full of life, Lani is an extrovert who absolutely loves to be part of the action. She brings a playful, boisterous energy wherever she goes and is especially fond of stretching her legs with some joyful zoomies. Lani’s impulsive and fun-loving nature makes her a lively and engaging companion for the right home, best suited to adults or families with children aged 10 and over who can keep up with her zest for life. Lani would thrive either as the only dog, where she can soak up all the attention, or alongside a compatible medium to large dog who can match her energy. She is not suited to homes with cats or apartment living, as she benefits from space and structure to help channel her enthusiasm. Lani is also not suited to an elderly household, but in an active and understanding home, she will reward her adopters with boundless affection, entertainment, and loyal companionship.
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Rosie

6 years old

Rosie is a sweet 6-year-old lady with a truly joyful and affectionate nature. She is a happy, friendly, and outgoing girl who approaches life with a confident, puppy-like enthusiasm. Rosie adores people and forms strong bonds quickly, often seeking eye contact and eagerly looking to her handler for reassurance and connection. She is incredibly personable and loves to please, making her a delight to spend time with. True to her affectionate personality, Rosie loves physical closeness—she will happily lean into you or gently rub her body against you like a cat, soaking up all the attention she can get. Playful and sweet, she would suit a home where she can be part of the family, either as a solo dog or with a similarly sized canine companion. Rosie would also do well with children aged 10 years and older who can match her kind and loving nature.
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Pauly

5 years old

Pauly is the definition of quiet charm — a calm, polite greyhound with a gentle soul and a heart full of sweetness. He carries himself with effortless grace, taking life in stride and bringing a peaceful presence to those around him. Pauly is personable without being overwhelming, enjoying companionship and affection while remaining relaxed and easygoing. Having completed behavioural rehabilitation training, he has lovely manners and a reliable, thoughtful nature that makes him a wonderful companion for a laid-back home. Pauly would suit a home with adults or families with children aged 5 and over who can appreciate his calm temperament. He is best as an only dog or could live alongside a compatible medium to large dog, but he is not suited to homes with small dogs or cats. Due to his gentle but steady nature, he is not suited to an elderly household. For those looking for a sweet, steady companion who brings quiet joy rather than chaos, Pauly is ready to settle in and become a devoted and loving friend. Pauly has previously had a Hock fracture repaired prior to GAP entry he bares weight on it, and he has done a course of pentosan.
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Pax

6 years old

P is for polite and personable, A is for affectionate and authentic and X is for Xtra handsome! He is all ears for his new family and can't wait to meet you. Pax has recently been doing some extra behavioral work with the GAP team and has scrubbed up on his skills ready for pet life. We think he may suit living with or without another medium or larger canine friend. We also think he may suit living with children 5 and over and with full time workers.
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