By Alana Mitchelson
SHOPPERS were surprised to stumble across greyhounds in the centre of a Pakenham shopping centre.
Owner of three retired greyhounds Julie Dixon has volunteered for the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) for the past five years to try to shake the stigma associated with retired greyhounds.
“You only ever hear the nasty stories,“ the Pakenham resident said.
“There’s such a stigma attached to them but the reality is that they make the most loyal and affectionate pets. They are placid and easy going dogs by nature.
“I also volunteer at an aged car home and I take my greyhounds in for pet therapy. The dogs bring out a lot of emotions in the residents.
“All dogs that go through GAP undertake transition training for four to six weeks to introduce the ex-racing dog to all kinds of different environments.
“The welfare of the greyhounds through the whole process is paramount.”
Ms Dixon brought 10 retired greyhounds that had been through the transition program to Arena Shopping Centre on Thursday 29 September to show shoppers who docile they were.
She said the program matches would-be owners to dogs that suit their needs, for example, matching a smaller greyhound with a family that has a young child.
“They become part of the family,” she said.
Greyhound Racing Victoria’s Rose Streatfeild said that before being involved with the organisation, she had been a greyhound foster carer.
“I’ve recently just signed up again,” Ms Streatfeild said.
“Foster caring for a greyhound is really flexible and works well for those who might go away on work trips and are unable to have their own long-term dog.
“You also get to meet all different kinds of dogs with their own personalities.”
Retired racing greyhounds vary in age from about two to six.
For more information, visit gap.grv.org.au.
