Meet the Team: Lara

As one of our Kennel Attendants, Lara is a relatively new face at GAP, but caring for dogs is anything but new to her. After working with dogs for many years, she is now also studying towards becoming a vet nurse, making every day spent with the greyhounds another opportunity to learn, grow and do something she loves.

Life in the kennels means getting to know each greyhound as an individual. From meals, walks and comfy kennels to keeping an eye on their different needs and personalities, Lara helps make sure the dogs in our care are happy, comfortable and well looked after as they prepare for life in a home.

And while Lara knew a little about greyhounds before joining GAP, working alongside them has introduced her to a whole new side of the breed. Behind the athletic appearance, she’s discovered gentle, affectionate dogs with plenty of quirks and a serious appreciation for a comfy bed and a good nap.

One little greyhound in particular, Mickey, made a lasting impression. Small, sweet and almost Whippet like in appearance, Mickey captured Lara’s heart before eventually finding a home all the way over in the USA.

We caught up with Lara to learn more about life in the kennels, the greyhounds who have already made their mark and why working at GAP is the perfect fit as she continues her journey towards becoming a vet nurse.

What’s your name and what’s your role at GAP?

My name is Lara and I’m a Kennel Attendant at GAP. I’m fairly new to the Greyhound Adoption Program, but I’ve been working with dogs for many years.

I’m also currently working towards becoming a vet nurse, so working with the dogs at GAP is a really special part of that journey for me.

What does a typical day or week look like for you?

A typical day is pretty dog focused! I spend a lot of my time caring for the greyhounds, making sure they’re happy, comfortable and well looked after.

There’s plenty of cleaning and kennel duties, feeding, walks and keeping an eye on everyone’s individual needs and personalities. No two days are exactly the same, especially when you’re working with dogs who all have their own little quirks.

What first brought you to GAP?

I’ve always loved dogs and have been working with them for many years, so GAP felt like a really natural fit for me.

I wanted to keep building my experience with dogs while also working towards becoming a vet nurse. The opportunity to work with greyhounds and be part of helping them find their homes was something I was really excited about.

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

I knew a little bit about greyhounds before starting at GAP, but I’ve definitely learnt so much more since being here.

I’ve learnt that they all have such different personalities and can be incredibly gentle and affectionate. I think I’ve also realised just how much they love their comforts. A good bed and plenty of naps seem to be very important to them!

What’s your favourite thing about greyhounds as a breed?

I love how gentle and sweet they are. They can look so elegant and athletic, but once you get to know them, they’re often complete couch potatoes!

I love seeing all their different personalities come out and getting to know their little quirks.

Do you have a greyhound or other pet of your own?

I have a dog at home named Lila, who is an Irish Wolfhound. She’s a big girl with a big personality and is very loving.

I’ve always had a soft spot for big dogs, so I guess an Irish Wolfhound was a natural choice for me!

Is there a particular greyhound, past or present, who’s left a mark on you?

Mickey is definitely one I won’t forget. She was such a tiny little girl, almost like a big Whippet, and she was so cute and sweet.

She really stood out to me and I became quite fond of her. She has since found a home all the way over in the USA, which is amazing. I’m so happy she found her forever home, but I definitely still think about her.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part is getting to know all the different dogs and seeing their personalities come out.

It’s really nice knowing that the care we give them is helping prepare them for their new homes. Seeing a dog leave with their new family is definitely one of the best parts of the job.

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

One thing that always makes me smile is seeing how different each greyhound is. They can be so funny and full of personality.

I love when one that seems a little shy at first starts to warm up and show their silly side. Those little moments are really special.

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

I wish more people knew that greyhounds are generally very gentle and affectionate dogs.

They look like they should be full of energy because they’re built for speed, but they’re often very happy to spend most of their day relaxing and sleeping.

I also think it’s important to remember that every dog is different, and finding the right match is a big part of the adoption process.

Coffee or tea? Morning person or night owl?

Definitely coffee! I’m more of a morning person, especially when there are dogs to see.

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

I’d probably be called Mickey. She was such a tiny, sweet girl and one of the greyhounds who really stuck in my mind.

She had such a cute personality, so I think Mickey would be a pretty good name!

Anything else you’d love to share with the GAP community?

I’m really enjoying being part of GAP and getting to know all the different greyhounds.

I’ve always loved working with dogs, so being able to do that while helping them on their journey to finding their forever homes is really rewarding. I’m also excited to keep learning and gaining experience as I work towards becoming a vet nurse.

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