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.
Gallery
Click images to zoom in
Meet our dogs ready for adoption
All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.

Rubharb Ruby ARP
Like he rname, Rhubarb Ruby is equal parts sweet and full of character. This little girl is friendly, affectionate and always happy to make new friends. With her puppyish personality and enthusiastic approach to life, Ruby brings plenty of fun wherever she goes. Ruby loves treats, enjoys being around people and has a wonderfully sweet and personable nature. Her happy, excitable energy is guaranteed to keep you smiling. Ruby may be suited to live as an only pet or may suit living with medium or large dogs. Ruby may be suitable to live with children 5 and over.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.

Colt ARP
Don’t let the name fool you – Colt is much more of a gentle gentleman than a wild stallion. Quiet, calm and polite, this sweet boy loves spending time with people and has a friendly and affectionate nature. His adorable eye contact is guaranteed to win you over.
Colt would suit living as an only dog or may be suitable to live with a canine friend of any size. He may also be suitable to live with children aged 5 and over.Because of his lovely nature he may be suitable to live in an apartment.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.

Opal ARP
Opal is a quiet, gentle little greyhound with a sweet and affectionate personality.Calm, polite and sensible, she loves spending time with her people and is always happy to soak up a few extra pats – especially if she can sneak in between your legs for some attention. She also loves to lean against her handler, making her an extra cuddly companion. This pretty girl may be suited to living as an only dog or with small, medium or large dogs. Opal may be suitable to live with children aged 5 and over . She is so gentle and sweet we think she may even be suitable to be with elderly owners and may suit apartment living.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.

Zari ARP
Zariis a sweet and affectionate girl with a gorgeous grey face and plenty of charm. Friendly and outgoing, she loves meeting new people, although her gentle and submissive side shines through at times., Zari is sure to win hearts whereve rshe goes. Zari may be suited to living as an only dog or with medium or large dogs, and could live with children aged 5 years and over.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.

Micah ARP
-Micah is a handsome boy with a zest for life and plenty of love to give. Sweet, friendly and outgoing, this boy adores people. Toys are one of his favourite things, and his playful and puppyish personality means there is never a dull moment when Micah is around.Whether he is zooming around the backyard or bouncing over for some affection,this enthusiastic boy is bound to make you smile. Micah is looking for a home with a secure backyard where he can stretch his legs and burn off his playful energy. He may be suited to be an only dog but may also suit living with robust small, medium or large dogs. We think he may be suitable to live with kids aged10 and over. Because of his active and excitable nature, Micah will not be suitable to live with old or frail people or dogs.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.

Jayde

Gilly

Thyme ARP
Thyme is a lovely female greyhound with a calm, gentle presence that makes her an absolute pleasure to be around. Sweet, outgoing, and deeply affectionate, she enjoys human company and rewards her people with plenty of love and quiet companionship. Whether she’s relaxing by your side or greeting you with a soft, happy demeanor, Thyme’s easy-going nature makes her a wonderful addition to a peaceful home.
She may suit a range of living situations, including apartments, and may even be a great match for an elderly owner looking for a devoted companion. Thyme may be suitable for a home with children aged 5 and over, and she may like either to be the only dog or with a suitable canine companion. With her gentle temperament and affectionate personality, Thyme is ready to bring warmth and calm companionship to her forever home.
Thyme is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). We have behavioural and health assessed this lovely dog, and they will remain with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting this particular dog, and no other dogs currently in our care.

Alli







_84146190.jpg)





