By Duyen Cao
The Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) has had its biggest year yet, with 445 retired racing greyhounds finding a new leash on life.
Bec Rose, events and engagement manager of Homeward Hounds, said that the monthly GAP event gives prospective adopters the chance to ask any questions and meet-and-greet greyhounds.
“Where people put in an application before the event…we make sure that the dog we match them with ticks every single one of their boxes,” Ms Rose said.
“We also have people just come off the street, they meet the perfect greyhound for them and they adopt on the same day.”
Ms Rose said that GAP greyhounds are retired from the racing industry by their trainer or owner usually between the age of two to seven years old.
The greyhounds then go through health and behavioural assessments to ensure they are ready for fostering or adoption.
“We’re trying to change the mindset of people that all greyhounds are high energy or high maintenance…they all have different personalities and quirks,” Ms Rose said.
Sarah Van Kruining recently adopted a greyhound from Homeward Hounds and said that the GAP’s thorough training and matchmaking made her confident they brought the right greyhound home.
“We have had Disel for about a month and he has fitted in so well. He gets walked twice a day and loves sleeping. He follows everyone around like a shadow,” she said.
Homeward Hounds occurs on the third Saturday of each month, alternating between Albion and Capalaba.
