Doveton resident Julie Mathieson was presented with the Greyhound Racing Victoria Board Welfare Award at Friday night’s 2018-19 Victorian Greyhound Awards at Crown Casino.
Julie’s passion and love for greyhounds dates back to the 1970s when she came across some racing greyhounds and instantly thought that they looked ‘gorgeous’. She met her first pet greyhound, Sally, at a Greyhound Adoption Program event at the Dandenong Showgrounds and then became involved in rehoming in the early 2000s.
In 2006, Julie helped create Greyhound Safety Net (GSN) and has since been the face of the rehoming organisation.
Julie puts her heart and soul into GSN including conducting all temperament assessments and liaising with owners and trainers, potential adopters, foster carers and vet clinics.
GRV Acting Chair Peita Duncan said the GRV Board Welfare Award was an example of the importance the greyhound industry places on animal welfare.
“Animal welfare is GRV’s number one priority, as demonstrated by the significant funds and resources committed to racetrack safety, education around animal husbandry and, of course, rehoming former racing greyhounds,” Ms Duncan said.
“Julie’s dedication to rehoming is simply incredible, and I know this first hand because she rehomed two of my former race dogs prior to me joining GRV.”
GRV’s Rehoming Manager Sean Stanton, who works closely with Julie and GSN on rehoming greyhounds in Victoria, is in awe of her devotion to the breed.
“The relationship between GRV and GSN is stronger than ever and Julie has been at the forefront of that, alongside (her colleague) Linda Skinner,” Stanton said.
“We catch up regularly, not only to discuss GSN and GAP, but also to share ideas on how we can further spread the word that greyhounds make amazing pets.”
“Her knowledge of the breed is unbelievable, and this has no doubt been integral to her rehoming hundreds of greyhounds over the years.
“Julie’s commitment and dedication to the breed is second to none and she is an inspiration to the wider rehoming community.”
