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.

Adele, Alita & Sunny

Adele, Alita & Sunny

Thank you GAP for the most magical pairing ever!! We adopted Alita and Sunshine/ Sunny 12 months ago.

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Victoria, Ryan & Dollar

Victoria, Ryan & Dollar

This is a little love story - one that began with heartbreak and ended with hope, healing, and a big black greyhound called Dollar aka Back Pay.

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Megan & Romeo

Megan & Romeo

Romeo came into our lives at the end of January after things hadn’t quite worked out in a previous home. We were told he just needed a chance, and a bit of time, and those words couldn’t have been more true.

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Steph & Shiraz

Steph & Shiraz

Shiraz entered GAP back in May of 2023. When she entered, I fell in love with her immediately!

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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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Harris

3 years old

Talk about a big softie! This lovely boy is such a sweetheart, he leans into you pats and looks up to you with his big eyes. He can be a little shy in new environments but soon bounces back to his joyful self! We think he may suit many households as long as there is a nice yard for him to relax and explore in.

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Bobby

3 years old

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.

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Willow ARP

3 years old

Meet Willow, the charming and affectionate greyhound who's looking for a forever home. This sweet girl has a strong desire to please and loves people, but she's still working on her manners - she can get a bit excited and jump up on people. With patience and training, Willow will thrive and become a loving companion. Willow may be suited to a home with kids aged 10+ and active adults who will appreciate her playful and loving nature. She's looking for a household where she's the only dog, and due to her energy levels, Willow requires a home with a secure yard and no apartments, please. She's also looking for a home with no old or frail people. Willow may be suited to live with a cat if introduced properly. If you're an active and patient family who can provide the right environment, Willow might be the perfect fit!
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Diesel

3 years old

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Meet Diesel, the handsome and charming greyhound who's looking for a forever home. This friendly boy has a bit of an independent streak, but loves treats and will warm up to you in no time. Diesel is a big boy with some rough edges, and he's looking for an experienced owner who can help him polish up his manners. Diesel may be suited to a home with kids aged 10+, who will appreciate his friendly and independent nature. He's looking for a household where he's the only dog or with a compatible medium to large dog friend. Due to his size and energy, Diesel requires a home with a secure yard and active owners who can provide the right environment - no apartment dwellers or elderly individuals, please. If you're an experienced owner looking for a loyal companion with a bit of character, Diesel might be the perfect fit!
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Shiny

4 years old

Meet Shiny, the sparkling gem of a greyhound who's sure to brighten up your life! This quiet and gentle soul is a sweet and affectionate girl who loves people and adores treats. Shiny's a laid-back companion who'll fit right into your daily routine, bringing joy and calm to your home. Shiny may be suited to a household with kids aged 5+ and for a home with either no other dogs or a male canine companion that gets along with her gentle nature. She also might be a great fit for elderly owners or apartment living,as she's low-maintenance and doesn't require a lot of space. And, surprisingly, Shiny might even live harmoniously with a cat! If you're ready for a loving and gentle companion, Shiny might be the perfect fit for your family.

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Trixie

3 years old

Trixie is full of tricks! Well not yet but we know she is a smart cookie that will pick up on things very quickly, maybe even get up to some mischief if she catches you napping on the job of Greyhound Servant! We think this beautiful, affectionate and sweet little girl may be ok for families with children 10 and over and another male canine companion of any size, she may even suit living with a feline friend! Go Trixie!

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Ravioli

2 years old

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This delicious girl has her eyeliner on and is ready to hit the streets and show off her glamourous looks! Maybe even stopping for a bite to eat at your favourite Italian spot! Miss Ravioli is not only beautiful, she is sweet, kind and affectionate. She can be a little reserved at first but soon warms up and leans in for a cuddle. We think she may suit living with children10 and over and maybe even another medium or larger male canine for company. We also think she would be best off in a home that has a yard as she is still only young and can take her time to adjust to new environments.

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Shell

2 years old

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This sweet little girl is Shell, and she is one that will need to come out of her “shell” a little when she goes into her forever home. But she will blossom as a sweet, puppyish girl that is excitable and bubbly when she is comfortable. We think she may suit living as an only dog or with another medium to large male canine companion and somewhere

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Harriet

6 years old

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Meet the gorgeous Harriet, or affectionately known as "Harry" for short. She has a beautiful soft and healthy coat; you'll want to pat and cuddle her all day long. We think she may have the softest belly we've ever come across here at GAP - it's like velvet! She is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, she loves people more than anything! Harriet is a placid girl once she gets her 5 minutes of energy out, and she says that a daily walk is a must! Harriet may suit living with or without a canine pal of similar size and will need a home without children. Harry really is such an affectionate little girl who can't wait to shower you with love. Harry would also love to show you her awesome abilities to sit!
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Bort

5 years old

Bort is one of our not so brave soldiers here at GAP. He is still finding his feet and things are a bit scary at the moment. Dont let that fool you though, he loves people and will come and lean on you for pats and cuddles and really wants to be the bravest boy he can be. We think a nice quite home that has the patience to let him explore the world at his pace will be the perfect match for him and one without children as loud noises are a bit overwhelming. We also think he may suit living with another dog of any size that can show him that the world isnt so scary! Will you be Bort's home in shining armour? We know the best is yet to come with his handsome man.
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