Greyhound Adoption Program Queensland celebrates 400 adoptions
The Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) Queensland, managed by the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC), has reached a milestone this year by facilitating the adoption of 400 retired racing greyhounds.
“Our dedicated team has been actively promoting greyhounds as pets to the community through engagement and educational initiatives,” stated QRIC Commissioner Shane Gillard.
“The success of the adoption program showcases the adaptability and versatility of greyhounds as companions.”
Commissioner Gillard mentioned, “There is truly a greyhound for every personality and lifestyle.
The GAP’s 400th adopter proving there truly is a greyhound for every home and lifestyle.
Rowan Lymberry of Coopers Plains, Brisbane, requires a wheelchair due to his disability, and finds it difficult to use his hands.
When he adopted GAP greyhound, three-year-old Pele, he and his friends and carers embarked on a mission to help both Mr Lymberry and his fur-ever friend live together as independently as possible.
Mr Lymberry said his first mission was to ensure Pele was comfortable with his wheelchair.
“For any dog, because the wheelchair is a new object, they have to get used to that,” he said.
“When I went to pick up Pele, I thought it would be an uphill battle, but I found that he adjusted really well, and I think that it must be something about greyhounds because I have had four greyhounds as pets, and they are very good at adjusting to the wheelchair.
“I’ve found greyhounds follow instructions; they’re good at picking up new things, and when you’ve got a wheelchair, there are a lot of instructions to take into consideration.”
Mr Lymberry and his carers are now adapting and trying different ways for him to take Pele on walks by himself.
“My carer is in the process of working out a lead that I can put on by myself so that I can take him out, but right now I’ve got friends and carers that can help me take him for a walk,” he said.
“All my friends like him as well, so that’s a good thing, including my sister.
“Anybody that sees Pele falls in with him.”
A quirky, curious dog, Pele brings love and fun into Mr Lymberry’s home.
“He is quite happy and very curious – he goes past the fish tank and has a look at the fish, which is quite funny because I haven’t ever seen a dog do that,” he said.
Mr Lymberry said that visiting the GAP website when he was thinking of adopting helped him pick the right dog for his lifestyle.
“With my disability, I had to find the right dog for me, and the GAP team supported me in finding Pele, who is a good match,” he said.
Mr Lymberry was pleased the GAP team used their expertise to find a dog that was comfortable with other dogs, had a placid temperament, and Pele’s medical history was provided.
All GAP greyhounds are health and behaviourally assessed, treated for the prevention of ticks and worms, microchipped, vaccinated, and given a dental examination before being made available for adoption.
GAP greyhounds are available to adopt for $100, or to foster with the support of the GAP.
AustralianRacingGreyhound strongly recommends only adopting greyhounds through recognised greyhound adoption programs. There is a GAP in each and every state.
Greyhound Adoption Programs
- New South Wales: Greyhounds As Pets NSW
- Victoria: Greyhound Adoption Program
- Queensland: Greyhound Adoption Program Qld
- South Australia: Greyhounds As Pets SA
- West Australia: Greyhounds As Pets WA
- Tasmania: Greyhound Adoption Program Tas