QRIC Media Release: Four-legged Christmas helpers celebrate the silly season
Keep an eye out for a parade of festive cheer as four-legged Christmas helpers join the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) Queensland Christmas Walk in the Park.
Greyhound owners and their furry friends will dress up in their festive finery to celebrate Christmas at the free community walks in Brisbane and Townsville on Sunday 20 November.
The GAP is run by the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC), and Commissioner Shane Gillard said the walks will be an opportunity to encourage people to adopt or foster greyhounds this Christmas.
“This is a free community event, and it’s not just for people who own greyhounds,” said Mr Gillard.
“We encourage anyone in the community who loves dogs to come along, especially those who are thinking about adopting or fostering.
“You can learn more about greyhounds from the GAP team and sign up on the day to adopt or foster one of GAP’s beautiful dogs.”
GAP works alongside greyhound racing industry participants to find homes for greyhounds who have retired from racing. The organisation operates right across Queensland and is aiming to find retirement homes for as many dogs as possible by Christmas.
“The GAP team works hard to match the right family with the right dog,” Mr Gillard said.
“We are calling on anyone who has room under their Christmas tree to consider adopting or fostering a greyhound – they are relaxed and family-friendly dogs who make great pets.”
Helen Gibson from Lutwyche, Brisbane will attend the walk with her eight-year-old GAP greyhound, Fred, who she adopted nine months ago. She said adopting a senior dog has complimented her lifestyle.
“He’s really chilled out – he still gets excited about things, but when it’s rest time he’s really relaxed,” said Ms Gibson.
“Having an older dog that requires a bit less exercise is good for me, because I’ve had sports injuries and can’t always walk him as far as I’d like to.
“On days when I can’t walk him a long way, his needs are still met.”
Ms Gibson said she is looking forward to connecting with the GAP community at the Brisbane GAP Christmas Walk in the Park.
“Fred ignores most other dogs, but when he sees greyhounds, he’s excited to meet them – his tail goes up and it’s wagging,” Ms Gibson said.
“I always think, maybe one of his siblings will be there.
“All the other greyhound owners I meet are lovely; there’s this understanding between greyhound owners.”
All GAP greyhounds available for adoption are health and behaviourally assessed, desexed, wormed, microchipped and vaccinated. They also have a dental examination and treatment and spend time at the GAP or with a foster carer to help them adjust to life in a pet home.
GAP greyhounds are available for a $100 adoption fee, which includes a green collar, leads and ongoing support.
Registrations are open now for the GAP Christmas Walk in the Park in Brisbane and Townsville.
Event Details
Brisbane Walk
Sunday 20 November
9am – 11am
New Farm Park, Brisbane
Townsville Walk
Sunday 20 November
8am – 10am
The Strand, Townsville