From Track to Home: Part 1: Retirement – A Well-Earned Next Chapter
Every greyhound who finds their place on the couch began their story somewhere else entirely – as a fit, fast, and finely tuned athlete.
This is the first in a three-part series following that journey, from the day a greyhound retires from racing, through to the moment they walk through the door of their forever home. We’re starting where every story starts: retirement.
A career, not a chapter to forget
Greyhounds are bred and trained for speed, and many spend the early years of their lives as racing athletes. Like any athlete, there comes a point where racing days draw to a close, sometimes because of age, sometimes a change in form, and sometimes simply because their owner has decided it’s time. Whatever the reason, retirement is a normal and expected part of a racing greyhound’s life, not a sign that anything has gone wrong. In Victoria, racing greyhound owners are responsible for planning what happens next for their dogs once their racing career ends, regardless of how that career went. Many owners rehome their greyhounds privately through family, friends, or their own networks. Others choose to hand that responsibility over to GAP, trusting us to find the right next step for their dog.
What retirement actually looks like
For a lot of people, the idea of a “retired athlete” conjures up images of an older, slower dog easing into old age. In reality, most greyhounds retire from racing relatively young, often between two and five years old, which means they’ve still got plenty of life, energy, and personality ahead of them. They’re simply trading one kind of life for another. Up until this point, a racing greyhound’s world has typically revolved around training, racing, and life in kennels alongside other dogs. They’ve had structure and routine. What they often haven’t had much exposure to is the everyday texture of pet life: things like stairs, glass doors, slippery floors, televisions, vacuum cleaners, or the simple experience of being the only dog in a lounge room. None of this is a problem, it’s just new, and greyhounds tend to be remarkably quick learners once given the chance.
Why this stage matters
Retirement is the foundation for everything that follows in a greyhound’s adoption journey. It’s the point at which a racing dog’s story shifts from competition to companionship, and it sets the stage for the next steps: coming into GAP’s care, getting to know their personality, and eventually finding the right family to share their life with What they often haven’t had much exposure to is the everyday texture of pet life: things like stairs, glass doors, slippery floors, televisions, vacuum cleaners, or the simple experience of being the only dog in a lounge room. None of this is a problem – it’s just new, and greyhounds tend to be remarkably quick learners once given the chance. They’re simply stepping into another exciting new stage, this time with all the couch naps, backyard zoomies, and belly rubs that come with it. Every greyhound who comes through GAP is, quite simply, a athlete beginning a brand new chapter.
Next in this series: Part 2 – Settling In at GAP: Health, Care & Getting to Know Them
Meet our dogs ready for adoption
All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.
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Hazel
Aria
Ollie
Murphy ARP
Murphyis a handsome, laid-back boy with a sweet and affectionate nature. Murphy is friendly and personable, he enjoys spending time with people. Murphy loves food, and is very food motivated, treats are sure to be the quickest way to win him over. Murphy may be suitable to live as an only dog or may be suitable to live with medium or large dogs. He may also be suitable to live with children aged 10 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.
George
Crippa
Scooby
Sonny ARP
Sonny is a most dashing and spirited gentleman of the greyhound world. Handsome, charming, and impossible to ignore, Sonny carries himself with the confidence of a true gentleman while still embracing a delightfully puppyish enthusiasm for life. Friendly and outgoing, he seeks connection with eager eye contact and a desire to please that is most endearing. Known to be quite the conversationalist, Sonny enjoys "speaking his mind" with cheerful chatter, all while his signature waggy "helicopter" tail ensures no entrance goes unnoticed.
With his lively and excitable nature, Sonny would be best suited to a home that can indulge his active spirit and zest for play. His enthusiasm can make him a little erratic on the lead at times, but with guidance and patience, he will shine as the perfect companion. Sonny may suit living with or without a canine friend of similar size and would do well with children aged 10 years and older. A home with a backyard would suit him splendidly, offering the space he needs to frolic and burn off his boundless energy.
Sonny 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 no other dogs currently in our care.
Xandi ARP
Sweet Xandi is a pretty and gentle soul who is looking for a patient, understanding home where she can build her confidence at her own pace. Having previously lived inside and even enjoyed sleeping on her owner's bed, she is familiar with home life and appreciates the comfort and security of being close to her people. Quiet, sweet and personable, Xandi is easy to handle and forms lovely connections through soft eye contact and her affectionate nature. While she can be timid and a little anxious in new situations, she always tries her best and responds beautifully to kindness and reassurance.
As an introverted and submissive girl, Xandi will likely take a few days to come out of her shell in a new environment, but once she feels safe, her loving personality begins to shine through. She would thrive with an owner who can give her the time, patience and encouragement she needs to settle in and feel secure. Xandi may suit living with or without a canine companion of any size and could be well suited to a home with children aged 15 years and older who can respect her gentle and sensitive nature.
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.
Eddie ARP
Lovely black Eddie is a calm and easy-going gentleman who takes everything in his stride. Quiet, sweet and laidback, he has a friendly and confident nature that makes him a pleasure to be around. Having previously lived inside a home, Eddie is familiar with household life and is ready to settle into his next chapter with ease. He enjoys spending time with his people and has a personable charm that helps him make friends wherever he goes. With his gentle temperament and relaxed outlook, Eddie would make a wonderful companion for a variety of homes. Whether joining you for a leisurely stroll or simply relaxing by your side, he is happiest when sharing life's everyday moments with those he loves. Eddie may suit living with or without a canine friend of a similar size and could be a lovely addition to a family with children aged 5 years and older.
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.