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14 March 2024

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Victoria’s Greyhound Adoption Program – 28 years; thousands of love stories.

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.

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GAP teams up with The Lost Dogs Home for a special event

Meet our dogs ready for adoption

All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.

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Rhubarb Ruby ARP

1 years old

Like her name, Rhubarb Ruby is equal parts sweet and full of character. This little girl is friendly, affectionate and always happy to make new friends. With her puppyish personality and enthusiastic approach to life, Ruby brings plenty of fun wherever she goes. Ruby loves treats, enjoys being around people and has a wonderfully sweet and personable nature. Her happy, excitable energy is guaranteed to keep you smiling. Ruby may be suited to live as an only pet or may suit living with medium or large dogs. Ruby may be suitable to live with children 5 and over. Rhubarb Ruby has a deformed jaw and will need regular 6 monthly teeth check ups.

This greyhound is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). Through this program, greyhounds stay with their current owners while they wait to find their perfect forever home.

If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.

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Linda ARP

3 years old

Linda is a stunning girl she is friendly, confident and outgoing. She loves being involved in everything around her and isn't shy about making new friends. Playful and active, Linda enjoys stretching her legs with the occasional burst of zoomies before settling down for some company and affection.

She may suit living as an only dog or with a calm, polite small, medium or large canine companion. Linda may also be suitable for a home with children aged 10 years and over.

This greyhound is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). Through this program, greyhounds stay with their current owners while they wait to find their perfect forever home.

If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.

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Quinny

5 years old

Quinny is a happy, fun-loving girl with a beautiful shiny coat that glistens in the sunlight. Full of confidence and charm, she loves showing off her playful personality with zoomies, play bows and a tail that never seems to stop wagging. Quinny is social, friendly and outgoing, forming strong connections with the people around her. She is affectionate and personable, often seeking eye contact, leaning into her handler for reassurance and happily jumping up for cuddles. Eager to please and always ready for attention, Quinny brings joy wherever she goes. Quinny may be well suited to living as an only dog where she can soak up all the affection, or she could happily share her home with a like-minded medium or large dog. She will likely thrive in a home with a secure backyard where she can stretch her legs and enjoy playtime. Quinny is expected to do best with children aged 10 years and older who can appreciate her enthusiastic and affectionate nature. With her loving temperament and zest for life, Quinny is sure to make a wonderful companion. Quinny has successfully completed some further training in our onsite behavioural rehabilitation program and is now ready for adoption!
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Chance

6 years old

Chance is a handsome brindle boy with a big heart and an even bigger tail wag! This happy, outgoing greyhound greets life with enthusiasm, whether he's heading out for a walk, seeing one of his favourite people, or visiting his mate Finn. His excitement is contagious, and watching his tail go into overdrive is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Sweet, friendly, and full of personality, Chance loves spending time with people and is always keen to be involved. He seeks eye contact, enjoys learning, and genuinely wants to please, making him a rewarding companion to build a bond with. Add a few treats to the mix and you'll have a very attentive audience! Chance is an affectionate and confident boy who enjoys both human company and playtime. He's recently discovered the fun of squeaky toys and can happily entertain himself with a toy when the mood strikes. Like many greyhounds, he can become quite excited when he spots small dogs or dogs playing with a ball, so he'll need a home that can continue guiding him in those situations. With his cheerful outlook, loving nature, and zest for life, Chance is ready to bring plenty of fun, companionship, and tail-wagging happiness to his forever family. If you're looking for a greyhound with a joyful spirit and lots of love to give, Chance could be the perfect match. Chance came into GAP with an old hock injury, which has osteo arthritis. He doesn't let it slow him down!
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Hercules

4 years old

True to his name, Hercules is a handsome 4-year-old black greyhound with a striking appearance and a heart full of love. With his big white chest and ever-so-slight Roman nose, this charming boy has a unique look that only adds to his appeal. Hercules is a friendly, confident and affectionate greyhound who genuinely enjoys spending time with people. He quickly forms bonds with those around him and loves leaning into his handler for attention, pats and companionship. Sweet-natured and eager to please, he's happiest when he's included in family life and receiving plenty of affection. This playful boy has an enthusiastic side and can become excited when meeting people or enjoying fun activities. His excitement may sometimes see him jumping up in his greetings, but it quickly subsides into a calm companion once he settles. With guidance and consistency, Hercules will relax and enjoy being close to his people. Full of personality and charm, Hercules combines confidence with a loving disposition, making him a wonderful companion for an active family looking for a dog who loves human connection. Hercules would be best suited to a home with children aged 10 years and over. If you're looking for a handsome, affectionate greyhound who will happily lean on you for cuddles and companionship, Hercules is ready to become your loyal sidekick. Hercules has a sensitive trachea, so is required to be walked with a harness.
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Chivas

5 years old

Chivas is a handsome 5-year-old boy with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Friendly, outgoing and confident, he loves meeting new people and is always ready to share his affectionate nature. Chivas has a cheerful, puppyish enthusiasm for life that makes him a joy to be around, and his personable temperament means he quickly wins over everyone he meets. He is comfortable walking on lead and enjoys spending time alongside his people. Chivas may suit a variety of homes and could happily live as an only dog soaking up all the attention, or with a canine companion of a similar size. His gentle and social nature may also make him a good match for a family with children aged 5 years and older. If you're looking for a loving, fun-loving companion who is sure to keep a smile on your face, Chivas could be the perfect addition to your family.
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Heidi ARP

2 years old

Heidi is a beautiful girl with a gentle and affectionate nature. Quiet, calm and wonderfully polite, she takes life in her stride and loves making friends with everyone she meets. Sweet and personable, Heidi is a lovely companion who will happily fit into a relaxed home.

Heidi could live as an only dog or could suit living with a medium to large canine friend, and she may be suitable to live with dog-savvy children aged 5 years and over.

This greyhound is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). Through this program, greyhounds stay with their current owners while they wait to find their perfect forever home.

If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.

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Pocket

6 years old

Pocket is a bright-eyed, pretty little extrovert with a zest for life that is completely infectious. Friendly, outgoing and utterly sweet, she throws herself into every interaction with boundless enthusiasm — whether that’s seeking out eye contact, leaning affectionately against her favourite humans, or launching into a spirited game with her beloved toys. Puppyish and playful, Pocket wears her heart on her sleeve and has a way of making you feel like the most important person in the room. She is social to her core and simply lights up in the company of people who love her. Pocket has had a wonderful head start through our Prison Pet Partnership Program, where she completed pre-pet training and blossomed into the confident, well-rounded girl she is today — and she is now ready to find her forever family. She would do best with children aged ten and older who can enjoy her lively, exuberant personality, and she may suit a home with or without a canine companion of similar size. A backyard is essential for this energetic sweetheart, giving her the space to run, play and truly flourish. If you’re looking for a dog who will fill your home with joy and never let a dull moment pass, Pocket is your girl.
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Ginny

5 years old

Ginny is a stunning black greyhound with the sleekest, shiniest coat and a gentle soul to match. Recently, he spent a month in our Prison Pet Partnership Program, where he worked hard learning valuable pet life skills to help prepare him for life in a loving forever home. Naturally an introvert, Ginny can be anxious and cautious in new situations, but he always does his best to be brave and takes comfort from patient, understanding people. Once Ginny trusts you, his true personality shines through. He becomes a happy, affectionate boy who loves spending time with his people and enjoys plenty of pats and attention. During foster care, we discovered that Ginny much prefers the outdoors to indoor living, so a secure backyard is a must for this zoomie-loving boy. Ginny is likely to thrive with an experienced greyhound owner and a family with teenage children who can appreciate his gentle nature and give him the time and space he needs to blossom.
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Tiger

6 years old

Oh Sweet Tiger, you are such a gentle soul that wants nothing more than a patient home and lifetime supply of twiggy sticks and ear rubs. Tiger has come a long way since starting his GAP journey and recently came back from foster care where he learnt a lot of new things and found some confidence in his time. Tiger has come back with a newfound confidence, and we are so thrilled how far he has come, whilst he still has times where he is unsure, he tries his very best. We think Tiger may suit living in a home with or without another dog medium or larger and children 15 and over. He will do best in a home with a backyard in a nice quiet area as loud noises and lots of traffic are still very scary for him. Tiger may suit living with full time workers. Tiger has anxiety and is on medication to help with this.
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