PetHealth

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Putting their paws up The Greyhounds As Pets NSW (GAPNSW) program was established in late 2008 with a starting purpose to focus on rehoming greyhounds at the completion of their racing careers. From humble beginnings, and with the industry now putting a priority emphasis on welfare, the not-for-profit charity arm of Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has grown significantly, and in recent years has continued to set new standards for rehoming of greyhounds at all stages of their lifecycle, including those that are not destined for racing careers. But GAPNSW is much more than a transitional stop between the racing industry and rehoming. The organisation has always understood that when it comes to rehoming greyhounds it is never a one-size-fits-all solution. GAPNSW prides itself on the precision of perfectly matching dogs with their prospective new families. “We want every dog to find a loving home after their racing careers finish,” GAPNSW General Manager Dr Alicia Fuller says. “But we also realise that they need to be in the right home and environment. “At GAPNSW we spend a lot of time making sure that those people who are looking for a pet, find the perfect dog for their situation, and that’s why our foster program is also very beneficial.” There is sometimes a misconception that because of their high energy racing careers, greyhounds need constant attention and exercise. In fact, they are placid animals, known for being gentle, good-natured and very lowmaintenance. They are great around small children and rarely bark, and they are considered couch potatoes, happy to spend the day kicking back, only requiring a 20-minute walk daily.

In 2020-21 GRNSW assisted in rehoming 1,880 greyhounds through their adoption centres at Wyee and Londonderry, Regional GAP programs around NSW and Homing Assistance schemes. That figure was an increase of 41% on the previous year’s record number. GRNSW and GAPNSW also contribute funding to third-party rehomers. “In any way we can, we just want greyhounds rehomed into loving environments so that the dogs are cared for and as many people as possible can experience the joy of a greyhound’s companionship,” Dr Fuller says. GAPNSW is proactive in communities and hosts a number of adoption days throughout the year where the general public can attend, pat a dog, ask as many questions as they like, and also adopt or foster a dog on the spot. The team also takes part in several local community events where dogs are a focus, including the Sydney Royal Easter Show, always looking to raise awareness of the breed and to emphasise what great pets greyhounds make. GAPNSW is also fortunate to have a number of high-profile Australians who as ambassadors are wonderful supporters of the organisation, including Australian football icon Tim Cahill, Olympic gold medal winner Jess Fox, Paralympian Rheed McCracken, rugby league star Ryan Papenhuyzen and boxer Harry Garside. In 2021 GAPNSW began an exciting new partnership with Real Pet Food Company (RPFC) and their Ivory Coat product. The partnership sees RPFC supply Ivory Coat to all GAPNSW greyhounds. “There are so many benefits for everyone with this partnership, but first and foremost for our greyhounds, who are all given one of the industry leading natural and Australian made products, Ivory Coat,” Dr Fuller says.

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