Meet the Team: Lily

Her connection with the breed began in primary school, when her family adopted a greyhound named Missy from GAP. Missy quickly became part of everything the family did, joining them on beach holidays, adventures and everyday life, and showing Lily just how much joy a greyhound can bring to a home.

Years later, while studying to become a dog trainer, Lily found herself back at GAP, this time working in the kennels. That opportunity eventually led her to the Behaviour Team, where she has now spent two years helping greyhounds build the skills and confidence they need as they prepare for pet life.

Today, Lily’s days can include assessing greyhounds entering the program, working with dogs in behavioural rehabilitation and caring for GAP’s important helper dogs. And despite growing up with a greyhound and now working with them every day, Lily says the breed still manages to teach her something new all the time.

We caught up with Lily to learn more about her journey from young greyhound adopter to Behaviour Assessor, the special dogs she’ll never forget and the very rare arrival that brought plenty of puppy cuddles to GAP.

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

I’m Lily, an Assessor in the Behaviour Team, and I’ve been at GAP for two years.

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

Assessing dogs coming into our program, training dogs in our behavioural rehabilitation program, caring for our helper dogs and lots and lots of paperwork!

What first brought you to GAP?

When I was in primary school, my family adopted a greyhound from GAP and since then, greyhounds have had a special place in my heart.

While I was studying to become a dog trainer, I worked in the GAP kennels and was given the opportunity to join the Behaviour Team.

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

I thought I knew a lot about greyhounds, but ever since working here, I learn something new about them every single day.

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

What I love about greyhounds is their gentle nature and unique personalities. They can be calm and relaxed one moment, then goofy and playful the next.

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

I have an eight year old Brittany Spaniel named Bonnie. She is my best friend and the sassiest little girl.

Recently, my parents and I also adopted a 13 year old Brittany Spaniel named Dax. He is a gentle old man who loves lounging around.

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

Our family greyhound, Missy, changed our family for the better. She brought so much joy and love to our household. From the moment we brought her home, she became part of our family. She came on our family holidays to the beach and joined us on every adventure.

While working at GAP, I have loved many dogs, but one blind boy named Wolf stole my heart. He was a very affectionate and confident boy. When I got to work, the first thing I would do was go and have cuddles with him.

He was the sweetest, funniest and quirkiest greyhound. Even though he was blind, he loved playing fetch with his soccer ball.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t in a position to adopt him, but he found a home and is now loving his life as a pet.

Missy and Wolf will always have a place in my heart.

What's the most rewarding part of your job?

I love meeting all the different greyhounds and getting to know their individual personalities. It’s a privilege to help them get to their forever families, where they can shine.

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

One of the most heartwarming moments I’ve experienced at GAP was in March 2026, when we received a litter of nine week old greyhound puppies.

Receiving puppies at GAP is very rare, especially an entire litter, so it was a really special experience.

I’ve always loved greyhounds, but greyhound puppies were a whole different level! I’d never been around them before, and they were incredibly goofy, playful and cuddly. They brought so much laughter, joy and excitement to everyone at GAP.

It was also very rewarding watching each puppy find their forever home and begin the next chapter of their life.

I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to spend time with them and, of course, for all the puppy cuddles.

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

Greyhounds are so much more than ex racing dogs. They’re loving companions with unique personalities, and they have an amazing ability to settle into family life.

Coffee or tea? Morning person or night owl?

Coffee. I would say I’m a morning person, but I do enjoy the occasional late night.

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

Giggles, because according to my coworkers, I’m always giggling and laughing!

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

Thank you to everyone in the GAP community for giving greyhounds the chance to live their best couch loving lives.