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.

Diva

Jock Ee

Latte

Kiara

Tonka ARP

Dakota

Bond
Rudy ARP
Rudy is a handsome greyhound with a larger-than-life personality! Friendly, outgoing and full of confidence, he loves being around people and isn't shy about asking for attention. This affectionate boy is a real character, with a boofy nature and plenty of enthusiasm for life. Rudy is looking for an active home with a secure backyard where he can stretch his legs and enjoy regular exercise. He may be suitable to live as an only dog or with a medium to large canine companion. He may also be suitable to live with children aged 15 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 dogis 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.
Virginia ARP
Virginia is a sweet, quiet girl with a gentle and soft nature. Very pretty, with beautiful light-colored eyes and an elegant Roman nose, she has a lovely personable temperament and enjoys spending time with her people. Affectionate without being overly demanding, Virginia will often seek eye contact and loves feeling connected to those around her. She has a playful, puppyish side and a submissive nature that makes her an easy companion to have around. Virginia may suit a home on her own or with confident small, medium or large dogs. She may also be suitable to live with children aged 10 years and older. Virginia is not suited to apartment living and would love a home where she has room to relax, play and thrive.
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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