Contact

  • Thursday, 13 Mar, 2014,
  • by Greyhound Racing Victoria

Every Greyhound Has A Story

There’s more to greyhounds than racing and every greyhound has its own special story – that’s the message behind an Australian-first photography exhibition opened by Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) in Melbourne on 14 March that will showcase unique aspects of a greyhound’s life as a pet.

GRV’s Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) and renowned photographer Josh Robenstone have teamed-up to open the Every Greyhound Has a Story photographic essay exhibition. The free exhibition, to be held at the new 524 Flinders Gallery between 14 and 20 March, showcases the unique stories of adopted greyhounds and their owners.

Mr Robenstone has chronicled the relationships of former racing greyhounds and their adopters, in settings ranging from a nursing home, to hanging out at Melbourne’s trendiest cafes, and even a prison.

“Because adopted greyhounds have come from the racing industry, they all have a unique story,” Mr Robenstone said.

“Some might have been champions, others might never have been quick enough to race, but they all have their own set of experiences and it’s intriguing to see how that shapes the bond with their adopters.”

GAP is an industry run program which began in 1996, dedicated to finding homes for greyhounds retired from, or not suited to, racing. Greyhounds that have passed through the program have been awarded a special green collar that exempts them from having to wear a muzzle in public.

GAP Manager, Larissa Darragh, said that hundreds of greyhounds found homes through the program last year, with staff and volunteers working to find greyhounds to match various adopters’ personalities.

“Greyhounds make fantastic pets – they are quiet, lazy and gentle animals that thrive in the home environment,” Ms Darragh said.

“Since 1996 GAP has rehomed more than 4,500 greyhounds and we are hoping that initiatives such as this exhibition highlight how wonderful greyhounds are as pets to more potential adopters.”

Every greyhound that enters the program is temperament tested, de-sexed, wormed, micro-chipped and vaccinated. They also spend time with a volunteer foster carer to help them adjust from life in a kennel, to life on the couch.

Victorians can learn more about greyhounds and GAP at http://gap.grv.org.au and by visiting the Every Greyhound Has a Story exhibition between 14 and 20 March 2014 at 524 Flinders, 524 Flinders Street. Entry is free.

Greyhound Racing VictoriaGreyhound Racing Victoria

Greyhound Racing Victoria

GRV regulates the sport of greyhound racing in the state of Victoria under the Racing Act 1958 (Act), which includes setting standards and ensuring they are met by participants.

Up Next

Sensational Summer Colouring Competition

Sensational Summer for Kids – which was run by GRV over the Christmas school holidays with the help of Kelly Sports – wrapped up on Sunday 2 February. All 13 greyhound clubs participated in this gr…

Newsletter Signup