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.

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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Lisa & Nellie

Lisa & Nellie

We adopted Nellie (formerly Neptune) back in mid March and she has very quickly settled into pet life.

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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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Arrow

5 years old

Meet Arrow, this handsome boy is looking for his forever home. His loving nature and affection, he’s sure to bring joy and companionship to his family. Arrow thrives on attention and interaction, and hell reward his family with loyalty. Arrow is best suited to a household where he can be by himself, allowing him to settle in and become the beloved companion he is meant to be. He may be okay with another large or medium canine buddy. He might do well with kids 10+ who understand his boundaries and is respectful. If you are looking for a friendly, loving and confident doggo to join your family, Arrow is the perfect fit. Arrow has previously had a break in his right hand foot. This isn't causing him any trouble in his day-to-day life though!
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Hulk Smash

4 years old

Hulk is a smashing lad who is as soft on the inside as a marshmallow, we promise! The only thing he wants to crush, is your hesitation around welcoming him or one of his fellow hound heroes into your life! Hulk gets a little over exuberant at times, and needs to work on his lead skills, but this is an easy habit to overcome! If you are prepared to be patient and work with him, Hulk promises to protect and defend your heart until his last breath and beyond. He is friendly, puppyish, confident, and needs a yard to do his zoomies in and body slam those squeaky toys. He may suit living with children 10+, full time workers, and may do well on his own or with a medium or larger canine friend to take on the world with. He is a leaner, but is also independent, the perfect balance. So what are you waiting for? Come and meet him today, your love story might just be a knockout!
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Sam Iam

4 years old

Sam Iam the super sweet and social boy that just wants to please you and give you all loving that he has to give. Sam is good to walk on the lead and we think he may suit households that love to get out and about. We think he would be better in a home with a yard and no elderly or frail family members (incl. other dogs). We also think they might suit living with children 10 and above or another medium or larger dog as company. Sam has some Osteoarthritis which does affect his day-to-day life
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Bruiser

2 years old

Bruiser is a big puppy in an adult body! In new environments and with new people Bruiser can be a bit unsure and seems shy, but after some reassuring pats and some tasty treats, Bruiser will be an outgoing pup and your best friend in no time! Bruiser may suit living with or without another playful pup of similar size and children aged 15 years and older. We think Bruiser will do best in a home with a backyard so he can run and play in. Bruiser has successfully completed our onsite Behavioural Rehabilitation Program and is now ready for adoption! Bruiser has an old hock fracture, which doesn't affect his day-to-day life.
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Tremendous

5 years old

Meet Tremendous, the friendly and outgoing greyhound gentleman who's ready to bring joy and companionship into his new home! This charming boy has a big personality and loves to make new friends, both human and canine. Tremendous is a social and affectionate companion who will thrive in a family environment with plenty of love and attention. Tremendous is best suited to a home with kids aged 10+, who will appreciate his friendly nature and energetic spirit. He's looking for a household where he's the only dog or with a medium to large canine companion. Tremendous requires a home without small dogs or cats. With a loving family and a stable environment, Tremendous is sure to become a loyal and loving companion - if you're looking for a friendly and outgoing greyhound friend, Tremendous might be the perfect fit!
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Chevy Impala

4 years old

Meet Chevy Impala, the charming and unique greyhound gentleman who's looking for a home that appreciates his individuality. This boy is a bit aloof and independent, with a quirky personality that's sure to bring laughter and joy into his new home. Chevy is a loyal companion to those he trusts, and he'll reward them with affection and devotion. Chevy is best suited to a home with kids aged 15+, who will understand and respect his need for space and time to adjust. He's looking for a household where he's the only dog or with a calm and compatible medium to large canine companion. Chevy requires a home without small dogs. With a patient and loving family in a house with a yard, Chevy is sure to thrive and become a beloved member of the family - if you're looking for a loyal and affectionate greyhound friend with a bit of character, Chevy might be the perfect fit. Chevy has an autoimmune disease called Pannus, which is controlled with daily eye drops.
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Shifty

7 years old

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Meet Shifty, a 7-year-old boy who defies his age with his youthful energy and playful spirit. Don't let his mature years fool you - this lively lad is still a puppy at heart, always ready to burst into a zoomy or play with a toy. With his boundless enthusiasm and love for playtime, Shifty is the perfect companion for those who crave an active and entertaining furry friend. Despite his advancing years, Shifty shows no signs of slowing down. His tail still wags with excitement, and his eyes sparkle with mischief as he chases after toys or embarks on a high-speed zoom around the room. With his ageless personality and playful nature, Shifty is sure to bring joy and laughter into the life of his forever family. If you're looking for a fun-loving companion to keep you on your toes, Shifty is the perfect match! He may do best living as an only dog and a home with no children. He would prefer a backyard for his zoomies. He has successfully completed further training in our behavioural rehabilitation program and is now ready for adoption.
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