QRIC Media Release: Foster for Christmas with GAP QLD
Monday 16 October, 2023
Most animal lovers will agree that one dog just isn’t enough, but for Mike and Kathy McGuill, two wasn’t enough, either … or even three.
In fact, the McGuills have fostered a total of 19 greyhounds with the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) Queensland, and now they’re ready for lucky number 20!
Mike and Kathy McGuill have retirement all figured out in Ferny Hills, southeast Queensland, spending their days surrounded by adorable foster greyhounds in between their global travels.
Mrs McGuill said she and her husband began fostering in 2016 to suit their travelling lifestyle.
“We decided to foster because it meant we were never tied to the dog, and when they found their new home, we’d go on holidays,” she said.
“Every dog developed at a different pace, some took six weeks to adjust to home life, and others took longer, like one who took six months.”
It was only a matter of time before they met a foster they couldn’t let go.
The McGuills adopted their sixteenth foster dog, Napolean, after he stole their hearts.
“They’re all such incredible, laid back and gorgeous creatures, every single one of them makes you melt,” she said.
“We fostered three more after adopting Napolean because he calms them down and makes them feel at home.”
GAP Queensland is run by the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC),
Its foster carers are essential in helping to transition retired racing greyhounds into pet homes by introducing them to experiences and routines they haven’t encountered before.
GAP Queensland has today launched its Foster for Christmas campaign, calling for part-time dog-lovers like the McGuills to consider taking care of an ex-racing greyhound over the Christmas period.
Christmas foster carers will be provided with everything they need for their foster dog, including food and dishes, dental care, winter clothes, collars and leads.
GAP’s expert team will also provide ongoing advice to foster carers throughout the fostering period.
QRIC Deputy Commissioner Natalie Conner said that people who are planning to stay home for the Christmas period are in the perfect position to foster.
“If you have a little extra love to share this Christmas, why not give it to a GAP greyhound by helping them adjust to life in a family home?” she said.
“Let GAP provide you with all the support you need, so that you can focus on what really matters – giving a retired racer a loving home for the festive season.”
Mrs McGuill said it was rewarding and heart-warming to watch her foster greyhounds’ personalities transform as they learned new skills and gained confidence.
“They often don’t understand things like stairs, the sound of traffic, so it’s a big scary world out there and it’s important to be gentle and patient,” she said.
“When it comes to the end and they go to a forever home, the GAP staff send through adoption updates and to just know they found a good home is really the best feeling.
“They’re simply the best creatures and we’re very much looking forward to seeing who we get next.”
Christmas foster carers can pick up their furry friends for the festive season at or before GAP’s Homeward Hounds event on Saturday 18 November.
Foster applications are now open at https://gapqld.com.au/our-greyhounds/foster/
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Media contact: Nicole Rowles 0467 955 412
