As the holiday season approaches, the Greyhound Adoption Program has a special campaign planned for dog lovers.
As part of the Christmas Foster Campaign, more than 60 greyhounds are ready to visit local homes for the festive season.
This is an opportunity to experience taking care of the breed firsthand and, in return, give the fur babies their first Christmas in a home as a pet.
The Greyhound Adoption Program’s Sean Stanton said the dogs came in different shapes and sizes, and with a range of personalities.
“The one thing they have in common is they’d love to spend Christmas in a home,” he said.
“Volunteering is such a key part of our program, and we have so many wonderful volunteers.
“We have found that once you meet a greyhound, you just fall in love with the breed.”
The campaign will start in mid-December and run for six weeks.
“The Christmas Foster Campaign is an event we started a few years back,” Mr Stanton said.
“It has turned into the most wonderful event for not only the greyhounds but the foster homes who welcome these beautiful greys into their home over the Christmas period.”
Mr Stanton said the idea came about because the program members loved greyhounds, but couldn’t take them all home.
“We thought, why not see if the community would like to open up their doors for one of our greyhounds?” he said.
“This time is also a great time for greyhounds to learn about the domestic life, where they learn about things that happen in the family home.”
Mr Stanton said anyone interested in fostering a greyhound for Christmas was eligible.
“We prefer carers to have at least a small outdoor yard, secure fencing and a nice, cool shaded area as summer approaches,” he said.
“Those homes with cats who are looking to foster, unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate at the moment.”
As Christmas approaches, some may think a dog would be a great gift for a loved one.
Mr Stanton said he was fortunate to work with greyhounds daily, and encouraged others to try the breed.
“Anyone who is interested in a short-term commitment should consider fostering, and anyone looking for a long-term companion should consider adopting a greyhound,” he said.
“They really are just the very best.”
For more information about the Christmas Foster Campaign, visit https://gap.grv.org.au/2023/11/15/room-inn-christmas/
Anyone who fosters a dog will receive dog food, a collar, a lead and all the support they require.