Written by
14 March 2024
1
min read
Victoria’s Greyhound Adoption Program – 28 years; thousands of love stories.
It feels like the greatest dating agency in the world sometimes.
Since 1997, the Greyhound Adoption Program has been matching hounds and humans, creating some of the sort of love stories that would make Mills and Boon swoon.The Greyhound – ‘the regal breed’ – is a breed like no other. They’re not good guard dogs, you’ll be hard-pressed to take them for a long run, and they take up a fair bit of space. Just getting them to sit like a ‘normal’ dog is like watching canine origami, with strange looks and legs akimbo. And lazy? Don’t get me started.
They are, however, great company. They have a seemingly endless supply of love and friendship for their humans. And will – perhaps unwittingly – provide many laughs and invoke your love. Kings and Queens, philosophers and great writers have all lauded their qualities for centuries.
Back in March 1997, two veterinary nurses from Sandown Park – Mel Tochner and Anita Smith – saw the need to find retirement homes for the dogs they cared for at the track. Racing greyhounds are usually ready for retirement by about four or five years of age, which still gives them up to ten years of retirement time, so the ‘dating agency’ was formed in the shape of GAP.
Now, it’s the most successful greyhound adoption agency in the world. More than 1000 long-dogs find their ‘forever homes’ every year; even more when you include the other adoption programs supported by GAP and GRV.
The breed is now ubiquitous throughout the suburbs of Melbourne and just about every regional town. Last year they were named one of the top ten most popular dogs as pets.
Thousands of people have found out what Mel and Anita already knew. The greyhound makes a wonderful addition to your home.
A big shout-out also to the many volunteers and staff that have made GAP’s success possible. Without you all, we simply would not have made it to this point.
In the need for your own love story? See more of the regal breed by clicking here.
Meet our dogs ready for adoption
All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.
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Hershey
Ivy
Bruno
Thomas ARP
Thomas (known as Tommy to his friends) is a calm and easy-going boy. He is outgoing without being overwhelming, he is affectionate and friendly. Thomas may be suitable to live with children aged 10+, and he may be suitable to live with small, medium or large dogs. If your looking for a calm, affectionate boy, Thomas could be the PAWfect addition to your family.
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.
Twix
Paprika
Opal
Gwen ARP
Meet Gwen,Gwen is a sweet and pretty little girl. Gwen is introverted and a little cautious. Gwen can be anxious in situations, but she does try to come out of her shell. With the right family, love and patience she will really blossom.Gwen may be suitable to live with a family that has older kids 15+. She also may be suitable to live with calm and respectful small, medium and large dogs.
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.
Zebra ARP
Meet Zebra. Zebra is a very handsome boy with a very lovable personality. He is quiet, calm, personable and friendly. He sometimes can be a little anxious, but he does try his hardest. Zebra may be suitable to live with children aged 10years and older, he also may be suitable to live with medium or large dogs.
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.
Roxie ARP
Meet Roxie. Roxie is a quiet, gentle girl with a calm and beautiful nature. She is polite, sweet and affectionate, and while she can be a little cautious at first, she will warm up with a little love and patience. Roxie may suit a home with children aged 10+, and she may be suitable to live with calm and respectful dogs of any size. Because of her calm and polite nature she also may suit an elderly owner.
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.