Aileen

Aileen has been with GAP for the last 20+ years. She’s fostered with us since the early 2000 and is still taking dogs into her home today!

Through her time with us, she’s fostered, attended events on behalf of GAP, and even been awarded for her efforts with the organisation. It’s hard to talk about fostering dogs with GAP without mentioning the outstanding contribution Aileen and her husband, Dene, have made to our greyhounds. So many foster dogs that we lost count! We know we’re over 200 and still counting.

What’s your name, how do you volunteer with GAP, and when did you first start volunteering with us?

My name is Aileen Travis. I am mostly a foster carer these days, but I do volunteer at some adoption events. We used to volunteer at promotion events as one of our Greyhounds Wendy, she was our 13th foster dog, and we officially foster failed (adopted) with her in 2001.

What made you decide to become a GAP volunteer? 

I saw an article in the Herald Sun back in 2000 about greyhounds not being compulsory for GAP greyhounds with their green collars. We had originally been interested in getting a whippet but couldn’t get greyhounds out of our heads! After having the article stuck to our fridge, my husband, Dene, decided to call GAP about fostering and we were matched with our first foster dog, Angel! She was a pretty little fawn girl who was always ready for a run around. Since Angel, we have been consistently fostering up until today! We used to collect our fosters at the Sandown vet clinic, where GAP started.

What’s your favourite part of being a GAP volunteer?

There are a lot of things I love about volunteering with GAP, but the top two would be the people I’ve met – volunteers and staff – and the dogs I’ve fostered. The dogs always come out of their shells once in the home with us and it’s fun to see their personalities start to shine through. Our 50th dog, Silver, was adopted by a young couple after his foster with us. I bumped into them a little while after their adoption and was amazed at the difference in his personality with us compared to his new home. That’s one of the things I like the most about fostering, figuring out their personalities and quirks once in the home and figuring out what their person home type is once they’re back with GAP. Now that fostering has increased to 4-weeks periods, I’ve really gotten a better picture of their behaviours before the end of the foster.

I was very lucky to be awarded the very first Welfare Award by GRV a few years ago. While I didn’t get into fostering for rewards or praise, it was lovely to be acknowledged for the hard work you put in as a carer.

What’s your favourite part of being a GAP volunteer?

After 20+ years with GAP, I’ve got a lot of stories and moments to share! Some of my favourites are:

  • I had fostered a dog named River who was a big black boofy head boy. He had so much personality that he could win anyone over! However, there was one person who thought he was odd-looking thanks to a shorter tail after a bad case of happy tail and didn’t think he would be adopted as quickly. GAP used to hold greyhound playgroups as part of their Christmas parties and River’s adopter had bought him along. He was so full of enthusiasm, jumping in and out of the water tanks, running around like a mad thing. I was manning one of the stalls and he come over with his forever owner. River stopped, put his front feet up on the table and asked me for cuddles. He hadn’t seen me in months and still remembered who I was.
  • A few years ago, I had fostered a super nervous boy named Sylvan. We had this boy between our greyhounds and only had our cat, Aster, and Aussie Terrier, Bruce. Sylvan was having a hard time settling into the home and was impossible to catch when it came time for walks. I felt like the meanest person in the world making him go for a walk when he was so unsure. I was getting frustrated as I felt like I was getting nowhere with Sylvan. I had been talking with another experienced carer who had taken on a greyhound who needed more exposure to small dogs. So she came over to expose her grey to Bruce, and Sylvan went with the other carer to remove any distractions. Sylvan’s personality changed dramatically when he was introduced to another calm greyhound. This foster with Sylvan made me realise that these nervous greyhounds often need the company of another greyhound to help mentor them in the ways of pet life. While Bruce was still a great companion, he wasn’t a greyhound. Sylvan was fostered again in a new home with a cat and another greyhound, where he seemed to thrive! Sylvan got adopted once back at GAP.
What would you say to anyone thinking of volunteering with GAP?

I find fostering challenging but a very rewarding and positive activity. You run the gamut of emotions from the joy of seeing the dogs make progress and the personalities blossom to the sadness of seeing them return to GAP after foster. It is worth trying! You learn so much and, not to sound cliché, you do get more than you give. If fostering is not for you, that’s okay! There are other ways to volunteer with GAP through enrichment and engagement opportunities.

Thalia, Todd & Alby

Thalia, Todd & Alby

We adopted Taurus on the 12th of July 2025, The moment we arrived at GAP and saw that sweet little face we just new he was the little baby for us.

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Kris & Felicity

Kris & Felicity

We are at the 9 month mark of having Felicity a.k.a Flick in our lives and our hearts have never felt so full.

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Xavier, Jacqueline & Cardi

Xavier, Jacqueline & Cardi

Cardi came into our lives in January 2024. We arrived at GAP having recently lost our rescue dog Kimchi a month earlier.

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Keziah & Buzz

Keziah & Buzz

I asked GAP if I may have a greyhound at my house, they invited me to come and look at Buzz and I brought him home.

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Jessica

Jessica

I have been a foster carer with GAP for several years and just recently celebrated having my 10th foster, which is a milestone I’m so proud of.

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Pamela & Alex

Pamela & Alex

My husband Alex & I started fostering in December 2008 after attending a Christmas party at the GAP Seymour kennels, & I believe it to be one of the best decisions of our lives.

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Rod & Tuppy

Rod & Tuppy

We thought we were not ready to adopt following our recent loss (at the time) of our dear GAP boy Mushu so we decided just to participate in the GAP Christmas Foster program.

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Ciara & Bueller

Ciara & Bueller

Bueller came to us for a foster trial and we knew from day one that we just had to keep him.

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Pam

Pam

Pam is one of our amazing foster carers and community engagement volunteers.

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Kym

Kym

Kym joined the GAP volunteer crew in 2022 after retiring, but her connection with greyhounds goes way back.

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Claire

Claire

Claire helps out at our Seymour location as an enrichment volunteer.

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Ruth

Ruth

Ruth has joined GAP at our Tullamarine kennels through enrichment volunteering, she’s fostered a few GAP greys, and is always ready to handle a hound at our adoption events.

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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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Wolf

3 years old

Meet Wolf! He is a young boy who can be a bit unsure of new environments and situations. Once he is comfortable, he allows his true colours to shine through and is puppyish, playful and affectionate. Wolf appears to have some issues with his vision, so he will need a special home who can manage this over the course of his life. Wolf may suit living with or without a canine pal of similar size and older children aged in their teens. Wolf has low vision, which isn't expected to get any worse. He doesn't require medication for this. He will be adopted out with a approval for a follow up appointment with an eye specialist, paid for by GAP.
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Jett

4 years old

This boy is ready to Jett his way into your heart and onto your couch! Sweet Jett is an incredibly friendly and outgoing boy with a puppy like nature and loves nothing more than a cuddle and play! Due to his excitement towards life Jett would be best in a home with a family who is experienced with large breed dogs! He may suit a home with another medium or large canine companion who likes to play as much as he does. He may be best suited to a home with children 10+ who can also keep up with him!
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Angus

4 years old

If you're looking for an enthusiastic young boy to be part of the family then look no further than Angus! Angus is an awesome outgoing and lovable goofbag that would love to be your new best friend. He absolutely loves toys and treats and would benefit from an adoptive home who will include him in all the day to day activities. He would be best suited to a home with a backyard as he loves to stretch his legs! He may suit a home with full time workers and children in their teens Angus is very special needs, he has retinal atrophy, he is looking for a special person, he has significant loss of sight now and complete vision loss over time is expected, he can learn to navigate in a stable environment and live a wonderful life with the right owners who are mindful of this. Talk to our adoption team to learn more about him.
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Stevie

4 years old

Our wonderful Stevie boy is ready to win hearts. Stevie is a lovely and friendly boy who can charm anyone with his outgoing and affectionate personality. He loves his toys and may be best suited to a home with children 10+ and would enjoy having another dog to be his buddy. We could all use a bit of Stevie love in our lives! Stevie would also love a backyard to run and play in. Stevie has spent some time in foster care and his foster carer said that he is a "...happy, big goofball, eager to please, cuddler and leaner. sleeps all night. plays with every toy likes soft toys and chew toys, favourite is the snorting pig and chasing ball. loves digging them all out of the basket. would be great with another large dog or by himself as long as he has things he can play with." Stevie has some osteo arthritis from an old injury, but this doesn't stop him from being his bright, bubbly self.
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Esmae ARP

2 years old

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 as an only dog as she does not want to share the love, she would also suit children 5 and over. Esmae may even suit living with fulltime workers.
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Poppy

9 years old

Meet Poppy, the lovely and endearing greyhound lady who's ready to bloom in her forever home! This gentle soul is as sweet as can be, with a heart of gold and a desire to please. Poppy loves people and enjoys human interaction, making her a fantastic companion for families and individuals alike. Poppy has been through behavioural rehabilitation, which has helped her become a confident and well-adjusted greyhound. She's perfect for families with kids aged 10+, who will adore her calm and gentle nature. Poppy would most likely love to live as the only furry friend or alongside respectful medium to large male dog. She is a perfect lady on the lead and walks quietly by your side. Poppy has Inflammatory bowel disease, but this doesn't stop her happy go lucky attitude.
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Dwight

4 years old

Dorky Dwight is in the search for his forever family! This boy is incredibly affectionate and has nothing higher on his wish list than someone who can provide bum scratches. When he isn't requesting affection, he is showing off his goofy and puppy-like side that is sure to make you laugh! Due to his playful ways, he may suit a home with children 10+ who can play with him! He may enjoy a medium or large canine sibling but may also like being the star of the show as a solo pooch! His playful nature means he wouldn't do best in a home with small dogs or cats, and will need some space to run, therefore wouldn't suit apartment life.
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Mia

7 years old

Meet Mia, a friendly and affectionate greyhound who's bursting with enthusiasm! This extroverted girl loves people and can't get enough attention - she's always eager to please and shower her humans with affection. With her bubbly personality, Mia's sure to bring joy and excitement to her forever home. Mia's looking for a household where she can be the only dog, and she's suitable for families with or without kids aged 10+. While she's a wonderful companion, Mia's still working on her manners, so she'll need a patient and understanding owner to help her learn and grow. If you're ready to provide Mia with love, guidance, and a forever home, she'll reward you with loyalty, affection, and plenty of personality!

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Meeko

3 years old

Meet Meeko, the charming and playful greyhound gentleman who's ready to capture your heart! This friendly boy has a delightful puppyish streak, loving nothing more than seeking attention and playtime from his favourite humans. Meeko's unique trait is his love of seeking eye contact, often gazing adoringly at his people to connect and show affection. Meeko is perfect for families with kids aged 5+, who will adore his energetic and loving personality. With his outgoing and affectionate nature, Meeko promises to bring joy and companionship to his new family. If you're looking for a loving and playful buddy, Meeko is ready to be your new best friend! Meeko has an old hock fracture which has healed well, without any hardware present. Meeko needs a home with another dog for company, and can also be a bit anxious in new situations.
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Shelby

6 years old

Meet adorable Shelby, who has the best ears going around. Sweet Shelby is a fun and confident girl who loves water and cuddles; she is incredibly affectionate and outgoing and is sure to become your best buddy! Shelby may enjoy having a medium or large canine sibling but may also enjoy being the centre of attention as an only dog! Due to her energetic ways Shelby may do best with a home with children 10+ who can keep up with her and wouldn't suit a home with a small dog or cats.
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