QRIC Media Release: Fosters wanted for (formerly) fast furbabies
25 September 2023
Queensland’s Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) is calling for carers who are keen for cuddles and kisses, without the commitment.
Run by the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC), GAP works to retire racing greyhounds into forever homes.
QRIC’s Deputy Commissioner Natalie Conner said that GAP’s foster carers play an essential role in exposing greyhounds to home life.
“Foster carers are special people who help retired racing greyhounds transition into a life of lounging lazily whilst lapping up the love around them,” Ms Conner said.
“These retired athletes have worked hard in their racing careers and are ready to put their feet up and enjoy a slower pace of life.
“We provide all our foster carers with free greyhound food, equipment such as leads, toys, preventable medicines, a bed and other basics, veterinary treatment and ongoing advice throughout the dog’s foster stay.
“All the carer has to do is provide a loving and supportive home environment to greyhounds as they transition to family life, through activities like neighbourhood walks, and interactions with new objects and experiences.”
Alex Chenney and Chad Saunders are two GAP foster carers based in North Queensland, who have fostered multiple greyhounds over the past year and don’t plan on stopping any time soon.
Ms Chenney, a James Cook University veterinary student, is now fostering her third greyhound in the townhouse she shares with three housemates.
“Fostering GAP greyhounds is a great option when you don’t have the stability or income to support your own pet but still want companionship,” Ms Chenney said.
“GAP staff regularly contact me to check in on the greyhound’s progress, and provide all the food, worming treatments, collars, leads and more, so you just have this gorgeous part time pet.”
From her experience with her fosters, Homer, George and Caesar, Ms Chenney said that anyone can own and love a greyhound.
“Greyhound personalities are this great mix between a dog and cat, so they’re the easiest animal to care for,” she said.
“There’s this big misconception that you need a big yard or can’t have one in the inner-city places.
“When you apply to be a foster carer, the GAP team takes your environment into consideration and can match you with a dog that is best suited to your home.
“Teaching them to use the stairs is always a funny and rewarding challenge, having to physically walk each of their little paws on to each step.”
Previous GAP greyhound owner, Chad Saunders, recently became a foster carer after his greyhound Timmy sadly passed and was not ready to adopt again just yet.
“When I adopted Timmy, I thought greyhounds were active, so I adopted him to exercise with, only to find I had to carry him most of the way,” said Mr Saunders.
“Now I’m onto my third greyhound and I’m loving it, and I tell everyone I meet to get a greyhound through GAP, even when they don’t ask, because of how great the experience has been.”
Mr Saunders said that the best part of being a foster carer is watching the development of the dogs from when they first enter your life to when they go into their full-time retirement home.
“You really get to know these dogs and love them, so I go to adoption events and talk about them to all the potential adopters and help them find their new homes.”
Ms Chenney said, “They’re just lovely animals who just need a cuddle and will always love you back just as much as you love them!”
Apply to foster a greyhound on the GAP Queensland website to help our greyhounds prepare to find their pawfect families.
ENDS.
Media contact: Almeera Azam 0476 955 412
