It’s fair to say the switched-on GAP SA girls – Hailey, Jemma (Adelaide) and Elysia (Mount Gambier) – had left nothing to chance when it came to Mount Gambier’s first Greyhound Adoption and Foster Day at Tara Raceway last Saturday afternoon.
The Adelaide girls had brought down their own GAP tent, transported in their GAP ute – parked at the entrance gates and impossible to miss with its GAP (Greyhounds As Pets) signwriting.
And the day, following extensive advertising, certainly generated a healthy amount of interest.
There was certainly no shortage of information for those contemplating adopting one of 10 greyhounds that had returned to the track where, in most cases, not so long ago they had been wearing a different sort of rug – one numbered between 1 and 8.
The Gambier Adoption Day booklet did not leave anything out: You can adopt one of our gorgeous greyhounds for only $150.
Fantastic value for money considering each GAP SA greyhound is sterilised, wormed and C5 vaccinated, microchipped and health and dental checked.
Not only that, the greyhound will have received a unique GAP SA green collar and basic home training while in foster care.
The greyhound also comes with its own green lead, winter coat and transition kibble.
And the GAP SA girls were on hand to answer any questions regarding the adoption of a greyhound and to conduct an information session.
The Parape Arachchige family of Mount Gambier was keen on adopting a greyhound and keen on Brett – described, in part, as a fun and playful boy, confident, social and outgoing and would best suit an active family that could take him for daily walks.
Also, Brett was described as a big smooch and sooky boy who loves human affection. (Now, does not that sound like his previous owner?)
The only concern the family had was whether Annie, their German shepherd, would interact with Brett and vice-versa.
Only one way to find out.
One of the family members raced home and brought her back to meet Brett.
Initially, Annie appeared a little uncertain. But soon they were great mates and there was no way Brett was not going home with his new family.
Pete was described as a friendly, sweet and placid boy.
He loves his food and his favourite time of the day is meal and treat time.
He is very gentle and docile and will have a strong bond to his family once he has built trust and confidence with them.
There was no way Kelly Boak, of Mount Gambier, was going to leave the track on Saturday afternoon without Pete.
He was her first greyhound in 40 years and, in her own words, they were going to retire together.
Scatter was another greyhound to find a new home in Mount Gambier.
She was described as a very friendly, easy-going and playful little girl.
She is very affectionate, loving and loves cuddles and pats.
She has a sweet and cheeky personality.
Speaking at the conclusion of Saturday’s Adoption and Foster Day, GAP Supervisor Jemma Nicholson said all told four greyhounds had been adopted on the day.
“We were really pleased with the interest shown today and we will be back.
“Most certainly, adopting a greyhound is a rewarding experience for all.
“Greyhounds really are a surprise packet.
“While they do love to run, they are also couch potatoes, gentle, affectionate and make an ideal dog for people with many different lifestyles.
“Our greyhounds go through a period of foster care to get them ready for adoption to their forever home.
“During this time they will receive house-training as well as exposure and socialisation with new environments to help them in their transition to retired life.”
Visit gapsa.org.au for more information.
