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
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Meet our dogs ready for adoption
All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.

Reginald

Flashy

Leo
George

Whisper

Mary ARP
Mary is an absolute sweetheart and the beauty to match! This gorgeous girl is friendly, outgoing and full of enthusiasm. She loves being around people, is incredibly affectionate and has a fun, puppyish nature that shines through. Mary is playful, boisterous and very excitable. She can be quite jumpy when she’s happy, often greeting people with a LOT of enthusiasm. She will need a home with a secure backyard where she can burn off some energy. Mary may besuited to live as an only dog or may be suitable to live with medium or large dogs. She also may be suitable to live with a family that have older children aged 15+. Due to her energetic nature, she is not suitable to live with elderly people or dogs. With the right home, Mary’s fun-loving personality will make her a wonderful and entertaining companion.
This dog 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 not other dogs currently in our care.

Jed ARP
Jed is a handsome and affectionate greyhound with a sweet, friendly nature and a real love of people. Personable and easy to spend time with, he enjoys being close to his handlers and has an endearing habit of leaning gently against you for comfort and companionship. With his kind heart and loving personality, Jed quickly wins over everyone he meets.
While Jed is generally social, he can sometimes feel a little worried around unfamiliar breeds of dog, so he would benefit from thoughtful introductions and would be best avoiding off-lead parks or busy areas where dogs may rush up to him. He may suit living with polite dogs of any size who will respect his space and could also be a wonderful companion for a family with children aged 5 years and older. With understanding and support, Jed will reward his new family with loyalty, affection and plenty of gentle cuddles.
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.

Lou Lou ARP
This beautiful 5-year-old girl is as sweet as she is pretty. Friendly, social and outgoing, she loves being around people and greets life with confidence and enthusiasm. Her personable nature and very affectionate personality make her a wonderful companion, whether she's joining you on an adventure or simply enjoying some quality time by your side. She also walks beautifully on lead, making daily strolls together an absolute pleasure.
With her easy-going and loving temperament, she may suit living as an only dog where she can soak up all the attention, or with a compatible male dog of any size. She would likely do best in a home with respectful children aged 10 years and older. Full of charm, affection and companionship, this lovely brindle girl is ready to become a treasured member of a lucky family.
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.

Ricey ARP
Ricey is a handsome 4-year-old boy with a friendly and personable nature. While he enjoys the company of people and forms lovely connections with those he trusts, Ricey is more of an introvert at heart and can be anxious in unfamiliar situations. Despite this, he always tries hard to be brave, taking things in his stride and showing a quiet determination as he navigates the world around him.
Ricey would likely thrive in a patient and understanding home that allows him to build confidence at his own pace. He may suit living as an only dog, where he can enjoy plenty of one-on-one attention, or with a confident medium or large canine companion. Ricey may also be suited to a home with respectful children aged 10 years and older. With kindness, routine and support, this sweet-natured boy will make a loyal and rewarding companion.
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.

Possum ARP
Possum is a sweet, friendly and confident 5-year-old boy who never misses an opportunity to make a new friend. Outgoing, personable and affectionate, he loves meeting everyone and anyone, greeting the world with a wagging tail and a happy attitude. Whether you're stopping for a coffee at a local café or strolling through a weekend market, Possum is the kind of dog who enjoys being part of the action and sharing adventures with his people.
With his easy-going nature and love of human company, Possum may suit a home with respectful young children aged 5 years and older. He may also be happy living as an only dog, soaking up all the attention for himself, or sharing his home with a like-minded medium or large caninecompanion. Charming, social and full of affection, Possum is a wonderfulall-rounder who is sure to bring plenty of joy to his future family.


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