Meet the Team: Larissa

As GAP's Adoption Manager, she's played a remarkable role in the evolution of the program, watching it grow from a small team of dedicated foster carers into Australia's largest greyhound rehoming organisation. Along the way, she's helped thousands of greyhounds find loving homes and supported countless adopters as they welcomed a new family member.

Larissa's journey with GAP began as a volunteer foster carer. Looking for a career that felt more meaningful, she started fostering greyhounds while still working full time in a law firm. When an opportunity arose to coordinate the program, she put her hand up and never looked back.

Today, Larissa manages both the Adoption and Behaviour teams, giving her the unique opportunity to see greyhounds at every stage of their journey, from arriving at GAP through to the moment they head home with their new families. It's a role she's been passionate about for almost 30 years, driven by her love of the breed and the joy of seeing every greyhound find where they belong.

We caught up with Larissa to hear about her journey, the greyhounds who have left a lasting impression and why she'll always have a soft spot for senior dogs.

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

Larissa Hubbard, Adoption Manager. I've been with GAP for 29 years.

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

Oh gosh, every day is different! I manage both the Adoption and Behaviour teams, so one day I might be helping with the intake of new greyhounds, and the next I'll be undertaking adoptions.

What first brought you to GAP?

I was working in a law firm and was feeling a bit lost. I really wanted to be doing something that made a difference, so I started looking for volunteer work and began fostering with GAP.

When the opportunity came up to coordinate the program, I put my hand up. GAP was vastly different back then. It was just me and a very small handful of foster carers. I still worked full time at the law firm for a while, and every weekend was spent driving foster greyhounds around Victoria.

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

Before working at GAP, I had the same misconceptions many people have. I thought greyhounds were highly active and that they were dangerous, which was why they wore muzzles. I very quickly realised how wrong both assumptions were!

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

It's hard to choose just one thing, but I love how adaptable they are. For the most part, they transition so easily from kennel life to becoming family pets, and I think that's a testament to the wonderful nature of the breed.

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

I've had many greyhounds over the years. My first was a foster fail named Tippy. She hated every other dog and would scream abuse at them from across the park whenever I walked her!

I'd take her to GAP promotions and be so embarrassed because she'd be yelling at all the other dogs, but I loved her dearly.

I don't currently have a greyhound of my own, but my house is full with four tiny Affenpinschers and one very large cat. I still get my greyhound fix every day with Zeus, our office dogs, and all the greyhounds in our care.

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

Yes, two of them. Miles and Dave, who were both previous office dogs. They were very special greyhounds and will always hold a place in my heart. We lost them many years ago now, but I still think of them often.

What's the most rewarding part of your job?

I'm incredibly fortunate because I get to see the greyhounds when they first arrive into our care through my work with the Behaviour Team, and then I get to see them at the end of the process when they find their forever homes. It's incredibly rewarding.

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

Many years ago, the band Crowded House asked us to bring a group of greyhounds onto the stage during two Melbourne concerts.

I absolutely love Crowded House, so it was an incredible experience! Halfway through the show, the greyhounds all ran onto the stage, stood around for a while, then happily wandered back off again.

The band members were so lovely, and we were lucky enough to spend both nights watching the concert from right at the front of the stage. It's a memory I'll never forget.

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

Senior greyhounds are truly wonderful. They're often overlooked because of their age, and I really wish that wasn't the case. Given the choice, I'd always adopt a senior dog. They're such easy companions.

Coffee or tea? Morning person or night owl?

Coffee, and definitely a morning person!

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

Turbo Spud. Speedy, but lazy!

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

Thank you for being part of the GAP community and for supporting greyhound adoption.