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.

Available

Name

0 Years Old

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Stella

3 years old

Such a pretty, sweet, polite young girl is Stella! She can be a little on the shy side at times, but we feel that she grows in confidence pretty quickly, especially is there is another dog around to show her the way. Stella may suit living with children 10+ and medium or larger male dogs. Stella would be best in a home with a nice yard to relax in and might also suit living with full time workers if there is a doggy friend around to hang out with.

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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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Available

Toby

4 years old

Toby knows how to use his ear antenna's very well to listen out for any treat packets being opened! Toby is a quiet, gentle and sensitive boy that loves having his butt scratched and will show you by throwing his legs around in joy as you do it. Toby can be a little gusto on the lead at times but this will settle as he gets into a regular walking routine with his new family. We think Toby may suit a home without another dog but if there is another doggo he would prefer that they are also quiet, calm and respectful of him as he can find them a bit too much and scary at times. We also think he may suit children 10+ and maybe even a home with a cat! Make sure to "ear" mark Toby as your favourite and give GAP a call!
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Conn

3 years old

Beware! Conn WILL steal your heart and maybe a slipper but he also may "Conn" you into giving him an extra treat, claiming that he hasn't had one in days when really its only been hours.. Our Conn is a handsome, laidback and chill guy that would love nothing more than a family to call his own. You may become his accomplices in taking too many naps during the day but who doesn't love a good midday nap? Conn may suit living with another dog of any size and also a cat! He also may suit living with children 5+. So let us 'Conn' you into adopting the love of your life (although he will do that all on his own!).
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Available

Viper

4 years old

Meet Viper, the stealthy greyhound with a cool and mysterious vibe! This quiet and laidback boy is a friendly and personable companion who'll slither his way into your affections. Viper's got a chill demeanour and a relaxed nature that'll make him a great addition to any family. Viper may be suited to a home with kids aged 10+ who can appreciate his calm nature. He's looking for a household where he's the only dog or with a calm and respectful dog that won't ruffle his feathers. In a perfect strike of luck, Viper might even live harmoniously with a cat! If you're ready for a low-key but loving companion, Viper might be the perfect fit. Strike while the iron is hot and get to know this cool canine!
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Available

Savvy

3 years old

Meet the sweet Savvy! She is a little bit of an introvert who likes the quiet life, however once she feels comfortable and her true colours shine through, she is puppyish and playful and loves to do zoomies. She wants nothing more than to please her people and will have you in fits of laughter too! Savvy may suit living with or without a canine friend of any size, she may even be OK to live with a feline friend! Due to her submissive nature, we feel she will do best in a quiet home with children 10 years and older and will likely do best in a home with a backyard.
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Javin

5 years old

Meet Javin, the charming and charismatic greyhound who's ready to steal the show! This handsome and social boy is an affectionate and boisterous bundle of energy, always looking for his next playmate. Javin loves people and loves to play, but he's still working on his manners - a little patience and training will go a long way with this eager-to-please pup. Javin may be suited to a home with kids aged 10+ who can keep up with his energetic antics and appreciate his playful personality. He's looking for a household where he's the only dog or with a robust canine companion that can match his energy levels. A backyard is a must for Javin, where he can run around and play to his heart's content. No old or frail dogs or people, please - this guy's got a lot of enthusiasm to share! If you're ready for a lively and loving companion, Javin might be the perfect fit!
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Tommy

3 years old

Meet Tommy! Tommy's favourite thing in the whole wide world is treats! He is an independent chap until it comes to treats then he won't leave you alone. We think he will be likely be easily trained due to his food motivation. Tommy may suit living with or without a robust canine pal of similar size and children aged 10 years and older. We believe that Tommy wouldn't be suited to live in an apartment. Tommy is blind in the Left eye. This requires no treatment or medication and is suspected to be from an old injury.
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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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Arlo

4 years old

Power up those ears Arlo and listen in for your new family! One way to describe Arlo is he is a bit "quirky". You think you've met most personalities of greyhound then you meet Arlo and find more things to love about the breed! Arlo is a sleek, shiny boy that is friendly and outgoing, quiet but also will get up and burst out in dance all of a sudden! He has a knack for getting his coat off and will most willingly show you how he does it and expect you to clap and cheer when he succeeds. He tends not to really care about other dogs around him but has spent time doing some socialising at GAP with the Behaviour Team so he understands how to when he does want to say hi. Arlo is a secret cuddle bug and whilst he tends to act like he is totally fine chillin by himself, he does love to have a good cuddle and scratch and be told what a good boy he is. Arlo does has a low-grade heart murmur which doesn't require medication or affect his day-to-day life. We think he may suit living with children 10+ and another medium or larger dog that doesn't need to Arlo to be their "bestie".
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