The increasing popularity of greyhounds as a choice of pet, was again evident over the weekend through the success of an adoption event in Newcastle.
Greyhounds As Pets (GAP) hosted the event at The Station on Saturday, which saw 30 greyhounds find new homes with the likelihood of more successful adoptions as a result of the day,
The Adoption Day was originally scheduled to be held on April 27 to run in conjunction with other events around the State as part of GAP's annual National Adoption Day, but inclement weather forced that event to be postponed until this weekend.
The Newcastle outcome means that a grand total of 107 greyhounds across six venues, found new homes as result of National Adoption Day events, a new benchmark for the annual day.
"It was an exceptional result at The Station on Saturday," Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) chief executive officer Steve Griffin said.
"To also have that record figure of 107 greyhounds rehomed through National Adoption Day events again demonstrates that the public are continuing to realise what wonderful pets our animals make.
"We hear the naysayers all the time telling anyone willing to listen that the pet market is flooded and interest and demand is waning for greyhounds as a choice of pet, but the success of recent events and our extensive research, says otherwise.
"What was again pleasing at the event in Newcastle was that the majority of the greyhounds were part of our Regional Program and as such were brought along by their trainers, having been prepared for pet life."
GAP's Regional Coordinator in the Hunter Sara McFarlane described the day as hectic, but "a good hectic."
She spent Sunday contacting each of the adopters to see how their new family member had settled in on their first night, as GAP continues to not only focus on rehoming, but on the post-adoption process to ensure everything is going well in the transition period.
"It was an incredible day. The greyhound Gods looked over us with the perfect weather. It started like the Boxing Day Sales with everyone turning up early wanting to find their perfect pet and we had people continually arriving throughout the day," she said.
"Some people arrived later and we didn't have the suitable dogs for their situation and circumstances, but they then applied with us, with their specific needs, and we will follow up and I'm sure we will find greyhounds to suit them very soon.
"We had a vast array of different people who adopted and there was quite a lot of older people as well. I spoke to a lady on Friday and she said to me I don't mind what dog I get, I just want a black one. She sent her daughter down, and she took a dog home, and I got a message from the lady on Saturday afternoon saying: "I'm in love."
"It was a great day and I must thank everyone who helped especially the team which came up from Western Sydney (GAP facility) and of course all the trainers.
"There was actually quite a few tears from trainers when they had to say goodbye to their dogs. It was really lovely."
GAP's next regional event will be held at Petbarn in Orange on May 31. For all the details and how to register, head to www.gapnsw.com.au.
