Written by
23 July 2026
1
min read
Meet the Team: Larissa
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For nearly three decades, Larissa has been helping retired greyhounds begin their next chapter.
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.

Meet our dogs ready for adoption
All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.
Thoth

Harrison
George

Whisper

Mary ARP
Mary is an absolute sweetheart and the beauty to match! This gorgeous girl is friendly, outgoing and full of enthusiasm. She loves being around people, is incredibly affectionate and has a fun, puppyish nature that shines through. Mary is playful, boisterous and very excitable. She can be quite jumpy when she’s happy, often greeting people with a LOT of enthusiasm. She will need a home with a secure backyard where she can burn off some energy. Mary may besuited to live as an only dog or may be suitable to live with medium or large dogs. She also may be suitable to live with a family that have older children aged 15+. Due to her energetic nature, she is not suitable to live with elderly people or dogs. With the right home, Mary’s fun-loving personality will make her a wonderful and entertaining companion.
This dog 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 not other dogs currently in our care.

Jed ARP
Jed is a handsome and affectionate greyhound with a sweet, friendly nature and a real love of people. Personable and easy to spend time with, he enjoys being close to his handlers and has an endearing habit of leaning gently against you for comfort and companionship. With his kind heart and loving personality, Jed quickly wins over everyone he meets.
While Jed is generally social, he can sometimes feel a little worried around unfamiliar breeds of dog, so he would benefit from thoughtful introductions and would be best avoiding off-lead parks or busy areas where dogs may rush up to him. He may suit living with polite dogs of any size who will respect his space and could also be a wonderful companion for a family with children aged 5 years and older. With understanding and support, Jed will reward his new family with loyalty, affection and plenty of gentle cuddles.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept 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 them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.

Lou Lou ARP
This beautiful 5-year-old girl is as sweet as she is pretty. Friendly, social and outgoing, she loves being around people and greets life with confidence and enthusiasm. Her personable nature and very affectionate personality make her a wonderful companion, whether she's joining you on an adventure or simply enjoying some quality time by your side. She also walks beautifully on lead, making daily strolls together an absolute pleasure.
With her easy-going and loving temperament, she may suit living as an only dog where she can soak up all the attention, or with a compatible male dog of any size. She would likely do best in a home with respectful children aged 10 years and older. Full of charm, affection and companionship, this lovely brindle girl is ready to become a treasured member of a lucky family.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept 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 them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.

Ricey ARP
Ricey is a handsome 4-year-old boy with a friendly and personable nature. While he enjoys the company of people and forms lovely connections with those he trusts, Ricey is more of an introvert at heart and can be anxious in unfamiliar situations. Despite this, he always tries hard to be brave, taking things in his stride and showing a quiet determination as he navigates the world around him.
Ricey would likely thrive in a patient and understanding home that allows him to build confidence at his own pace. He may suit living as an only dog, where he can enjoy plenty of one-on-one attention, or with a confident medium or large canine companion. Ricey may also be suited to a home with respectful children aged 10 years and older. With kindness, routine and support, this sweet-natured boy will make a loyal and rewarding companion.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept 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 them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.

Possum ARP
Possum is a sweet, friendly and confident 5-year-old boy who never misses an opportunity to make a new friend. Outgoing, personable and affectionate, he loves meeting everyone and anyone, greeting the world with a wagging tail and a happy attitude. Whether you're stopping for a coffee at a local café or strolling through a weekend market, Possum is the kind of dog who enjoys being part of the action and sharing adventures with his people.
With his easy-going nature and love of human company, Possum may suit a home with respectful young children aged 5 years and older. He may also be happy living as an only dog, soaking up all the attention for himself, or sharing his home with a like-minded medium or large caninecompanion. Charming, social and full of affection, Possum is a wonderfulall-rounder who is sure to bring plenty of joy to his future family.







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