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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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Cecil

4 years old

Cecil is a happy, boofy boy who approaches life with boundless enthusiasm and a wagging tail. Outgoing, affectionate and always up for a cuddle, he loves being around his people and will happily soak up as many scratches as you're willing to give. Cecil's fun-loving personality shines through in everything he does, and his goofy charm makes him a joy to have around. Like many big-hearted dogs, he can be a little boisterous and impulsive at times, but it's all part of his lovable character. Cecil is looking for a home with adults or teens aged 15+ who can help him continue polishing his manners and provide consistent guidance as he learns. He would be most suited as an only dog, where he can be the centre of attention, or with a medium to large canine companion who is a good match for his size and energy. With patience, structure and plenty of affection, Cecil will reward his new family with endless love, laughs and loyal companionship.
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Larry

5 years old

Meet Larry Long Legs, a 5-year-old black greyhound whose nickname tells you almost everything you need to know! This handsome boy is absolutely enormous, with long legs for days and a presence that turns heads wherever he goes. Some say he's the size of a pony, others reckon he's more like a mini horse, but either way, Larry is one unforgettable greyhound. Despite his impressive stature, Larry is a sweet, friendly and affectionate boy who loves spending time with people. Social, outgoing and full of personality, he's always happy to make new friends and enjoys being included in the action. After a walk, one of Larry's favourite things is settling in for a cosy snuggle with his humans. Larry has a stunning shiny black coat and a confident, personable nature that makes him impossible not to love. He can be strong on the lead, so he'll need owners who are comfortable handling a very large dog and can help him continue his lead manners. While he may look like an athlete, Larry also has a soft and affectionate side. He thrives on human companionship and loves receiving attention from those lucky enough to earn his friendship. Due to his size and strength, Larry would be best suited to a home with robust children aged 10 years and over who can comfortably interact with a dog of his proportions. If you've ever dreamed of owning a gentle mini horse disguised as a greyhound, Larry Long Legs might just be the perfect addition to your family.
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Diva

4 years old

Sweet, confident and full of personality, Diva is a beautiful 4-year-old black greyhound who loves making the most of every moment. Friendly and outgoing, she approaches life with enthusiasm and isn't shy about sharing her affection with the people she meets. Diva thrives on human connection, often seeking eye contact and looking to her people for guidance, companionship and the occasional tasty treat. This lovely girl has an affectionate and eager-to-please nature that makes her a joy to spend time with. Diva loves being involved in the action and has an excitable zest for life that is both charming and contagious. Whether she's heading out for an adventure or greeting her favourite people, she does so with a wagging tail and plenty of enthusiasm. Her excitement can sometimes get the better of her, leading to the occasional jump up or a bit of pulling on lead, but her friendly nature and willingness to learn shine through. Beneath her energetic exterior is a sweet-hearted companion who simply wants to be part of a loving family. Diva's confidence and people-focused personality make her a wonderful candidate for a home that will enjoy her affectionate nature and help channel her enthusiasm with positive guidance and plenty of love. Suitable for a home with children aged 10 years and older, Diva is ready to bring fun, friendship and endless affection to her forever family.
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Jock Ee

7 years old

Meet Jock Ee, a charming 7-year-old black greyhound with a distinguished grey face and a heart of gold. This handsome gentleman may be entering his senior years, but he still has plenty of love to give and is ready to find a family to enjoy life's simple pleasures with. Jock Ee is everything you'd hope for in a mature greyhound. Quiet, calm and sensible, he takes the world in his stride and is a wonderfully easy companion to have by your side. Friendly and outgoing without being demanding, he enjoys meeting people and quickly wins them over with his gentle nature and soulful eyes. Affectionate and people-focused, Jock Ee loves seeking eye contact with his handlers and will happily lean in for a pat or cuddle. He's a sweet boy who enjoys treats and toys, always taking treats gently and showing the lovely manners that come with his mature temperament. His easy-going personality means he's just as happy accompanying you on a stroll as he is relaxing nearby while you enjoy a quiet afternoon. One of Jock Ee's favourite pastimes is finding a sunny spot to stretch out and soak up the warmth. A true professional sunbather, he's mastered the art of relaxation and would love a home where he can indulge in plenty of cosy naps between adventures. Jock Ee can manage stairs and may be suitable for apartment living thanks to his calm and laid-back nature. He would also be well suited to a home with children aged 5 years and over. If you're looking for a gentle, affectionate companion with a wise old face and a loving personality, Jock Ee is ready to spend his golden years by your side.
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Latte

5 years old

Latte is a handsome blue greyhound with a calm, laidback nature and a heart full of quiet affection. This sweet boy loves being close to his people and is known for gently leaning in for cuddles, making him a wonderfully comforting companion. Latte enjoys a peaceful environment where he can relax and bond with his humans, and his easygoing temperament means he would be best suited to a child-free home that can fully appreciate his gentle and affectionate personality. He would be happiest either as the only dog, soaking up all the attention, or with a compatible canine companion who shares his calm outlook. If you’re looking for a devoted, loving greyhound who will quietly stay by your side and brighten your days with his sweet nature, Latte could be the perfect match.
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Kiara

4 years old

Kiara is full glamour and she will turn heads wherever she goes. This social butterfly is so ready for her new family to pick her up and give her the good life. She is enthusiastic about everything and loves to bounce around to show you how happy she is. She really has the zest for life! We think she will suit homes with children 10 and over and somewhere with a backyard for her to do her super cute zoomies in. She also may suit living with another medium to large male canine companion to do fashion shows up and down a catwalk for friends and family!
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Tonka ARP

4 years old

Meet Tonka, a big-hearted Greyhound with a larger-than-life personality and a name that suits him perfectly! Like the famous Tonka trucks, this handsome boy is built for fun, adventure, and making an impression wherever he goes. Sweet, social, friendly, and incredibly affectionate, Tonka loves being around people and is always ready to join in on whatever is happening. With his puppyish enthusiasm and outgoing, extroverted nature, he brings plenty of laughter and joy to every day. Whether he's leaning in for cuddles, showing off his good looks, or happily greeting visitors, Tonka is a dog who loves life and wants to share it with his family. Tonka is looking for a home with teenagers aged 15+ or adults who can appreciate his energetic spirit and continue helping him polish his manners. Because he can be enthusiastic and strong, he is not suited to homes with frail or elderly people, and he should not live in an apartment. Tonka would thrive as an only dog where he can soak up all the attention, or with a confident, robust canine companion who can match his play style. If you're searching for a loyal, affectionate best friend with the charm of a Greyhound and the unstoppable enthusiasm of a Tonka truck, Tonka is ready to roll straight into your heart.
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Dakota

6 years old

Sweet, affectionate and full of joyful enthusiasm, Dakota is a beautiful 6-year-old black greyhound who greets life with a wag, a smile and a ready-for-anything attitude. Friendly and outgoing, she's a people-loving girl who enjoys making new friends and sharing her happy spirit with everyone she meets. Dakota thrives on human connection and is always eager to please, making her a delightful companion both at home and out on adventures. With her playful, puppyish nature, Dakota brings plenty of fun wherever she goes. She loves a good zoomie session and approaches the world with an infectious excitement that is impossible not to smile at. Her enthusiasm can sometimes make her a little impulsive, but it's all part of her charming personality. Beneath that energetic exterior is a sweet and affectionate girl who simply loves being included and spending time with her people. Dakota is generally good on lead and enjoys getting out and about, exploring her surroundings with curiosity and confidence. While she can be a little underconfident around some dogs, she looks to her trusted humans for guidance and reassurance, and her desire to please shines through in everything she does. Dakota is searching for a family who will embrace her happy, playful spirit and give her all the love and companionship she deserves. Suitable for a home with children aged 10 years and older, this lovable girl is ready to fill her forever home with laughter, affection and plenty of unforgettable zoomies.
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Bond

5 years old

Bond is licensed to thrill! This handsome greyhound is a friendly, outgoing boy with a larger-than-life personality and a mission to keep life exciting. Bond loves meeting people, launching into spectacular zoomie sessions, and bringing his signature puppyish enthusiasm to everything he does. Impulsive, excitable, and always ready for his next adventure, he's the kind of dog who turns every walk into an action-packed outing. Whether he's dashing around the yard or charming his admirers, Bond approaches life with all the confidence and energy of a secret agent on assignment. Bond is seeking an active home with children aged 5 years and over, or adults who can appreciate his exuberant nature. Due to his enthusiastic greeting style and tendency to get carried away in the excitement of the moment, a home with elderly people would not be suitable. Bond would be happiest as an only dog where he can be the star of the show, but he may also suit a home with a medium to large canine companion who can match his playful energy. Bond is not suitable to live with cats and will need a feline-free home. If you're looking for a loyal partner with a licence for fun, Agent Bond is ready to accept his next mission – and it could be with you. When Bond had his dental done in August 2026 areas of gum thickening were noted and biopsies taken. Results showed fibrous gingival hyperplasia, with is a benign thickening of the gums.
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Rudy ARP

4 years old

Rudy is a handsome greyhound with a larger-than-life personality! Friendly, outgoing and full of confidence, he loves being around people and isn't shy about asking for attention. This affectionate boy is a real character, with a boofy nature and plenty of enthusiasm for life. Rudy is looking for an active home with a secure backyard where he can stretch his legs and enjoy regular exercise. He may be suitable to live as an only dog or with a medium to large canine companion. He may also be suitable to live with children aged 15 years and over. ​

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 dogis 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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