RETIRING after a career as a supreme athlete can be tough, especially for racing greyhounds, SARAH WARNE reports.
Once, they were put down, but thanks to the Greyhound Adoption Program in Seymour, there's life at the end of the tunnel.
And contrary to the belief that the greyhound is a highly energetic, overactive dog, Greyhound Foster Home Coordinator Melanie Luscombe says the breed is placid and gentle.
"Our adopting homes are often surprised by how low-maintenance and affectionate the greyhound is," Melanie says.
She hopes more families will be inspired to take home one of man's best friends after the program won the best commercial display in the Wonderful World Of Dogs Pavilion at this year's Royal Melbourne Show.
The adoption program was set up 12 years ago by a group of Seymour vet nurses who were sick of seeing greyhounds put down at the end of their racing careers.
"Greyhound Racing Victoria took over and now fund the entire thing," says Melanie, who has been helping find greyhounds a home since 2003.
"They have been fantastic and have just financed a $1 million expansion."
With 100 dogs currently "enrolled", Melanie says they are always searching for new foster-care volunteers and adoption homes.
To adopt a greyhound phone (03) 5799 0166 or visit www.gap.grv.org.au
