Meet the Team: Elley

After adopting her first greyhound in 2020, Elley quickly discovered there was so much more to the breed than she ever imagined. Their gentle nature, quirky personalities and ability to adapt to family life left a lasting impression. When the opportunity arose to join the team at GAP Seymour, she made the leap from accounting into animal welfare and has never looked back.

Today, as part of GAP's Behaviour Assessment Team, Elley helps assess and prepare greyhounds as they begin their journey through the program. From getting to know each dog's unique personality to building their confidence and social skills, every day is about helping greyhounds succeed as much loved pets.

At home, Elley is outnumbered by her own greyhounds, George and Scout, who keep life entertaining with plenty of zoomies, naps and their own unique quirks. They are a daily reminder of why she loves the breed and why helping other greyhounds find families is so rewarding.

We caught up with Elley to learn more about her role, her favourite greyhound moments and why no two greyhounds are ever the same.

1. What's your name and what's your role at GAP? 

Hi, I’m Elley, and I’ve been at GAP for 5 years. I started in Adoptions and then moved across 2 years ago to the Behaviour Assessor Team. 

2. What does a typical day (or week) look like for you? 

Each day is different and can change at the drop of a hat but a typical day will be conducting assessments on new dogs into the program and doing training with dogs that need more socialisation to get themselves ready for pet life. 

3. What first brought you to GAP? 

I adopted my first Greyhound in 2020. After a year of loving my first Greyhound, I couldn’t get enough of the breed. The Greyhound Adoption Program was only a 20 min drive from home and I was getting very stale in my accounting job so I took the leap when a position came up at the Seymour location and the rest is history!‍ 

4. Did you know much about greyhounds before working here? Has that changed? 

I had owned my own Greyhound for just over a year prior to starting at GAP but I still had so much to learn. From when I first met my Greyhound to now, they still amaze me with their smart and willing personalities, goofy quirks and love for sleep. Every Greyhound is different in their own little way, no two are the same!‍ 

5. What's your favourite thing about greyhounds as a breed? 

Their love for being couch potato’s! One minute they are doing zoomies, the next they are upside down (roaching!), fast asleep on the lounge, usually with their tongue hanging out the side! It makes me laugh every time. 

6. Do you have a greyhound (or other pet) of your own? 

I have two Greyhounds! A black male, George, who is 11.5yr old and a brindle female, Scout, who is 4yrs. George has always been a quiet, sweet, cuddly boy who enjoys slow walks, treats and having a nap after waking up from a nap. He knows lots of commands and loves to show off his tricks for anyone that will watch.‍ Scout is a super affectionate, sweet, sensitive, sassy and playful girl who at first found the world very scary but has certainly found her confidence and loves trips in the car, having play dates with friends, throwing her toys around and a lazy Sunday afternoon on the couch. 

7. Is there a particular greyhound - past or present - who's left a mark on you? 

A little girl named Bella. We fostered Bella for a few months whilst she was going through GAP, but we simply fell in love and couldn’t let her go. She was a part of our family for 3 yrs till she crossed over the rainbow bridge at almost 12 yrs of age. Her zest for life, toys, zoomies and cuddles was second to none. She loved everyone and everything and we miss her dearly. ‍

8. What's the most rewarding part of your job? 

Seeing them get a home of their own. As much as we love spending time with them, the best thing is seeing all the wonderful photos of them in their new lives. 

9. What's a funny, surprising, or heartwarming moment you've had on the job?‍ 

There are so many, but one that has stuck in my mind is a sweet little girl by the name of Poppy. She entered GAP and underwent some training to help her socialise with other breeds, as soon as she passed her final assessments we found out she had IBS and needed special food and treatment. I took her home as a foster and fell in love with her but wasn’t in a position to have her as my own. Over months of getting her health right she finally was able to be adopted and it was the best day seeing her head off to her home. We also get regular updates, and she sometimes calls in to say hi which is super sweet. 

10. What's one thing you wish more people knew about greyhounds or the adoption process? 

How willing they are to please and how smart they are. They can generally learn new tricks and commands easily when you know how to talk greyhound! 

11. Coffee or tea? Morning person or night owl?

Coffee! Can I say neither? I love to sleep in and also go to bed early. I want to be a Greyhound in my next life! 

12. If you were a greyhound, what would your name be and why?‍ 

I asked my partner as I really didn’t know, His answer was: Zoet, as it means “sweet” in Dutch (yes, I’m part Dutch) as I have a sweet heart, love people and every animal. (He gets brownie points for this!) 

13. Anything else you'd love to share with the GAP community? 

If you have one, best to get it a friend, and that one will need a friend, so better get each one a friend so then you will never be without a Greyhound.

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