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.

She’s a friendly face at Tullamarine, always ensuring our hounds get a nice walk in the sunshine every time she’s around.

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. She’s a friendly face at Tullamarine, always ensuring our hounds get a nice walk in the sunshine every time she’s around.

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

RUTH BIRD - Enrichment and Foster

What made you decide to become a GAP volunteer?

During Covid, a friend of mine adopted a Greyhound from GAP. Her name was ABBY and she has a nose that twitches independently from the rest of her snout! It is so funny. Anyway, I fell in love with this strange breed there and then. I'd never met one before and found them the most loving, quirky, funny, adorable hounds I'd ever met. I wanted to be around them as much as I could, but didn't feel ready to adopt one myself. Volunteering for GAP was a happy medium as I got to hang out with snoots all day long any time I wanted and it was free:)! What could be better?

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

My favourite part of Volunteering is the snoots of course. They deliver a dose of happiness everytime you see them. And they are always so happy to see you. The joy I get from being able to play, groom, snuggle, walk and kiss....the snoots, is the best and I hope they feel the same. I also love grooming them when I can and get their lovely coats to a nice glossy sheen. Which can be a challenge as they are often very furry:) I really enjoy being able to bring a bit of enrichment and love to their days, as they can be long in the kennels and they all deserve so much love and care. I wish I could get to them all.

What’s your best story or memory from your time volunteering with us?

I have so many best stories from Vollying with GAP, it is impossible to choose!. I have also taken on fostering occasionally and I do have some funny tales from that. Some which I maybe shouldn't share (I'm probably not the best foster carer...I'm too soft and I can't help it if they like couches).  But in terms of being an Enrichment Volly, I really enjoy meeting the personalities of all the dogs, as they are just so different. From boisterous, goofy, charming, quiet, shy, boofy, silly, soft, loving, and playful, I love to try and be the best version of me for the dog I am working with and connecting with the dog, even if it is just for a limited time. 

One story at Tulla, I was in one of the kennels with a lovely black boy, and he was really quiet and on his bed. It was after meal time and he was resting. He let me lie next to him and I just recall stroking his head and belly. Everytime I would stop, he'd give me a little nudge to keep going, as they do, and me being a sucker, kept going. It turned late and after a while I heard one of the kennel attendants tell another that I was in with (I forget his name) and that I was probably alright just to stay there even though Volly hours were over. I felt good, for one, I got to spend longer being with a lovely calm snoot and giving him some touch/quiet time, and two, GAP trusted me to stay, as long as I didn't fall asleep in there with him.

What’s your best story or memory from your time volunteering with us?

Vollying with GAP is so rewarding. I do it as much for the dogs, as my own well being. If you've been thinking about it, why not try. There is no set time commitment as you can call your hours. Any little bit helps in giving a loving soul some much needed love and care. I'd say you'd probably want to have an affinity with dogs to start, and if you've never met a greyhound or have a preconceived idea of what a greyhound would be like,  enjoy having your mind blown! They will win you over in no time with their beautiful personalities. You will only be rewarded with love of the most gentle beings. And the volly managers are great too. They will look after you.

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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Ange

Ange

Ange has been part of the GAP family for over 20 years, starting her journey back in 2003 with her first “foster fail” – the legendary Roger.

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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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