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.
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Meet our dogs ready for adoption
All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.
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Sins
Amy
Katelyn ARP
Katelyn is a lovely, sweet and confident girl who is so excited for her forever home that she has her bags packed! She may be happy to live in a home with or without another robust medium or large canine companion and children aged 10 years or older. She may be happy to live with full time workers.
Vinny
Marley ARP
Are you looking for a mature greyhound who may be happy to live with a smaller dog? Marley might be your lady! She is super sweet, friendly, and outgoing, and has all the love to give. Marley may be happiest in a home with children 10 years and over and might suit living with full time workers.
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.
Mr D ARP
Hi! I’m Mr D! What’s that you say!? I’m handsome? Well, there is so much more to love about me than my handsome looks but ill point out my shiny coat, awesome pointy ears and a tail that winds up like a helicopter but most importantly I am a real sweet, friendly and fun boy that is always up for an adventure. I think I might be ok to live with children 10 and over or maybe even another medium or larger play buddy!
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.
Gus (Bonded with Oran)
Oran (bonded with Gus)
Reindeer ARP
She may not be leading Santa’s sleigh like Rudolf but this quiet achiever is still just as important! She is a shy girl that we think will come out of her shell in a home that understands she just needs time to learn how to be a pet and patience to go at her pace. A quieter home with children 15 and over that are respectful of her boundaries maybe ok and somewhere with a nice yard that she can go and relax in. She may also benefit from a male friend that is medium or larger to help her transition into pet life. This lovely dog is not suitable for a home with cats.
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.
Bellatrix