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.

Jess

She gives off “Elle Wood” – Legally Blonde vibes and she is totally okay with it! This fun, flirty, sweet girl is beauty and brains rolled into one and we know she is going to make a great family addition. We think she may suit children 10 and over and may also suit living with her own Bruiser– just as long as they are a little robust and happy to play. Her race name suggests ‘Nobody’s Perfect’ but Jess would probably tell you otherwise!

Bobby

Bobby is a lovely young man, just look at his beautiful light-coloured eyes, they seem to stare into your soul. Bobby is a social, friendly and affectionate boy who is keen to move into his furever home. He may suit living with or without a canine pal of similar size and children aged 10years and older.

Skye



We promise you that Skye does have ears! They actually roll up like a cinnamon scroll and sit neatly on her head - it’s the cutest thing you will ever see. Miss Skye is a bit of a shy girl and can take some time before she shows you her full personality. We think her forever home should be somewhere quiet with a yard and has a patient owner to let her explore the world at her pace. Children 15 and over would be better for her and the company of another male dog of any size that can show her the ropes.

Heston



Heston has that cute quirky smile, if you look closely you will see his lip is stuck on his teefs! Heston is a bit of a quiet and independent boy but does show an affectionate side once he gets to know you. We think that Heston may suit living in a home with another dog of any size that will show him how pet life is done. He may also suit being an only dog and children 10 and over. We think he would do better with a backyard to relax and chill out in in his new home and may also be okay for fulltime workers. P.S we think he may suit living with a cat! What a good boy you are Heston!

Esmae




Esmae is everyone’s friend! She is sweet, funny, personable and puppyish. She loves being around other dogs and people and would love to find a home with another dog bestie to spend her days hanging out with. She loves to lean on anyone that wants to give her pats and attention. We think Esmae will best suit living with another male canine companion of any size and children 5 and over. Esmae may even suit living with a cat and full time workers.

Speedy

Are you in the need for Speed? Well we have the perfect match for you. She can go 0 to 75 in five seconds and then back to zero for the best afternoon nap. Speedy loves to zoom around and play so we think she would best suit a home that had children 10 and over and a robust medium or larger male dog to play with. Dont wait, she will race out of here in no time!

Xenie


Jack



Axel


Sunday now Sunny
