From Track to Home: Part 2: Settling In at GAP – Health, Care & Getting to Know Them
In Part 1 of this series, we looked at what retirement means for a racing greyhound and why it’s the first step on the road to adoption.
In Part 2, we’re taking you behind the scenes at GAP, to show you exactly what happens once a greyhound comes into our care, from their very first health check through to the personality profile you’ll eventually read on our website.
Arrival and initial health checks
The moment a greyhound arrives at GAP, our focus is on making sure they’re happy, healthy, and comfortable. Every dog receives a full veterinary health check, which includes a general physical examination, dental check, and assessment of their overall body condition. Greyhounds are also vaccinated, microchipped, wormed, and desexed (if this hasn’t already happened) as part of our standard process before they’re made available for adoption. Because racing greyhounds can occasionally carry old injuries from their athletic careers, things like a previous hock injury, for example – our team also looks closely at mobility and movement, noting anything an adopter should be aware of down the track. This is also when we identify if a dog might benefit from things like joint supplements or ongoing vet monitoring in their new home.
Getting to know who they really are
Once the health basics are taken care of, the real work of getting to know each individual dog begins. Every greyhound has their own personality, and our team spends time observing each dog to understand their energy levels, temperament, and quirks – are they a confident, treat-loving extrovert, or a quieter soul who prefers to watch the world go by from a comfy bed? We pay close attention to how each dog responds to everyday situations: how they react to other dogs, whether they show any interest in cats or small animals, how they cope with children, and whether they seem suited to apartment living or need a backyard to stretch their legs in. Some greyhounds also take part in our Behavioural Rehabilitation Program, where they receive extra training and support to help them feel confident and settled before heading into a home.
The role of foster care
For many greyhounds, this stage of the journey includes their very first experience of life inside a home, thanks to GAP’s wonderful network of foster carers. Foster homes give our team invaluable insight into how a dog behaves in a genuine domestic environment – things that are hard to observe in a kennel setting, like how they settle at night, how they respond to household noises, or how they get on with resident pets. Foster carers play an enormous role in shaping the detailed, honest profiles you see on our website. When you read about a dog being “crate trained,” “confident on stairs,” or having “a playful, puppyish energy,” that’s often information that’s come directly from time spent in foster care.
Why we do it this way
All of this – the health checks, the behavioural observations, the time in foster care – exists for one reason: so that when you read a GAP dog profile, you’re getting an honest, detailed picture of who that dog really is, not just a generic description. It’s also how we’re able to make thoughtful matches between dogs and adopters, which is exactly what we’ll cover in Part 3 of this series.
Previously: Part 1 – Retirement: A Well-Earned Next Chapter | Next: Part 3 – Finding Their Perfect Match: Welcome Home
Meet our dogs ready for adoption
All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.
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Mary ARP
Mary is an absolute sweetheart and the beauty to match! This gorgeous girl is friendly, outgoing and full of enthusiasm. She loves being around people, is incredibly affectionate and has a fun, puppyish nature that shines through. Mary is playful, boisterous and very excitable. She can be quite jumpy when she’s happy, often greeting people with a LOT of enthusiasm. She will need a home with a secure backyard where she can burn off some energy. Mary may besuited to live as an only dog or may be suitable to live with medium or large dogs. She also may be suitable to live with a family that have older children aged 15+. Due to her energetic nature, she is not suitable to live with elderly people or dogs. With the right home, Mary’s fun-loving personality will make her a wonderful and entertaining companion.
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.
Jed ARP
Jed is a handsome and affectionate greyhound with a sweet, friendly nature and a real love of people. Personable and easy to spend time with, he enjoys being close to his handlers and has an endearing habit of leaning gently against you for comfort and companionship. With his kind heart and loving personality, Jed quickly wins over everyone he meets.
While Jed is generally social, he can sometimes feel a little worried around unfamiliar breeds of dog, so he would benefit from thoughtful introductions and would be best avoiding off-lead parks or busy areas where dogs may rush up to him. He may suit living with polite dogs of any size who will respect his space and could also be a wonderful companion for a family with children aged 5 years and older. With understanding and support, Jed will reward his new family with loyalty, affection and plenty of gentle cuddles.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept 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 them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
Lou Lou ARP
This beautiful 5-year-old girl is as sweet as she is pretty. Friendly, social and outgoing, she loves being around people and greets life with confidence and enthusiasm. Her personable nature and very affectionate personality make her a wonderful companion, whether she's joining you on an adventure or simply enjoying some quality time by your side. She also walks beautifully on lead, making daily strolls together an absolute pleasure.
With her easy-going and loving temperament, she may suit living as an only dog where she can soak up all the attention, or with a compatible male dog of any size. She would likely do best in a home with respectful children aged 10 years and older. Full of charm, affection and companionship, this lovely brindle girl is ready to become a treasured member of a lucky family.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept 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 them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
Ricey ARP
Ricey is a handsome 4-year-old boy with a friendly and personable nature. While he enjoys the company of people and forms lovely connections with those he trusts, Ricey is more of an introvert at heart and can be anxious in unfamiliar situations. Despite this, he always tries hard to be brave, taking things in his stride and showing a quiet determination as he navigates the world around him.
Ricey would likely thrive in a patient and understanding home that allows him to build confidence at his own pace. He may suit living as an only dog, where he can enjoy plenty of one-on-one attention, or with a confident medium or large canine companion. Ricey may also be suited to a home with respectful children aged 10 years and older. With kindness, routine and support, this sweet-natured boy will make a loyal and rewarding companion.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept 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 them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
Possum ARP
Possum is a sweet, friendly and confident 5-year-old boy who never misses an opportunity to make a new friend. Outgoing, personable and affectionate, he loves meeting everyone and anyone, greeting the world with a wagging tail and a happy attitude. Whether you're stopping for a coffee at a local café or strolling through a weekend market, Possum is the kind of dog who enjoys being part of the action and sharing adventures with his people.
With his easy-going nature and love of human company, Possum may suit a home with respectful young children aged 5 years and older. He may also be happy living as an only dog, soaking up all the attention for himself, or sharing his home with a like-minded medium or large caninecompanion. Charming, social and full of affection, Possum is a wonderfulall-rounder who is sure to bring plenty of joy to his future family.
Bobby
Luke
Lana
Mugatu
Carly ARP
Carl is a quiet, gentle girl who enjoys taking life at her own pace. She can be a little submissive and cautious. While she can be anxious in new situations, she always tries her best and gains confidence with patience and kindness. Once she feels comfortable,her sweet and personable nature begins to shine through. Carly is looking for a home where she can continue to build her confidence. She may be suited to living as an only dog or with medium or large dogs. She also may be suited to live with older kids 15+, and she is best suited to a home with a backyard rather than an apartment.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept 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 them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.