Gorgeous Bart. Photo: AGSN.
With all the recent focus on greyhound racing, the groups that probably haven’t featured enough in this debate are the hardworking adoptions groups and volunteers.
Whether or not you agree with the ban on racing in the Territory, there are many organisations in and around Canberra that work around the clock to help find good homes for healthy and behaviourally-sound greyhounds from all walks of life.
Sweet Crystal (left) and handsome Stem (right). Photo: AGSN.
No doubt, all these groups are hoping the spotlight on greyhound racing will also shine a light on what great pets these dogs can make, and help make their jobs a little easier.
The Great Global Greyhound Walk is a celebration of what wonderful pets greyhounds can make, and a chance to learn more about these groups’ efforts and meet a few gorgeous greyhounds as well.
You might even be inspired to find your next family pet!
Mo showing a typical greyhound pose. Photo: AGSN.
“There are various greyhound adoption organisations involved in finding retired, ex-racing or sometimes privately surrendered greyhounds a forever home,” said organiser of the local walk and volunteer with the ACT Greyhound Support Network, Lavine Truzette.
“Local and surrounding area animal shelters and councils all work together with the adoption organisation to assist in rehoming this lovely breed,” she said.
“The Great Global Greyhound Walk has been created as an annual dog-walking event that brings together greyhounds, sighthounds, and their owners, to raise awareness of the breed and show the public just how fabulous they are as pets,”
The worldwide event was formerly known as the Great British Greyhound Walk and started in the UK in 2010.
Mo and friend are ready to walk. Photo: AGSN.
From 2014 onwards, it began to grow into an international event, held by enthusiastic owners and rehoming groups and has been known as The Great Global Greyhound Walk since 2016.
“The ACT greyhound community joined the walk in 2015 and 2017,” said Lavine, ”and in 2017, we had 19 greyhounds, 1 whippet and a German Shepherd,”
This year, the team is expecting 30+ owners and at least as many dogs – many owners find it difficult to stop at just one greyhound.
Milly and friends. Greyhounds, like potato chips – bet you can’t have just one! Image courtesy of AGSN.
Mo and friends – greyhound companions are welcome on the walk. Photo: AGSN.
While the event is strictly focused on sighthound breeds, other breeds are welcome if they come from the same home and are a companion animal to the hound (all dogs should be on leash).
“Otherwise, the event is open to everyone. Anyone who enjoys the companionship of dogs and would like to know what greyhounds are like as pets, or if they have an interest in fostering greyhounds, which helps introduce them to pet life and prepare them for their forever homes, is welcome.
“The gathering is a great opportunity for people to meet the breed. People will be able to mingle about, pat and interact with greyhounds of all different colours and sizes, and also see many of their companion dog family members.
“You’ll also be able to chat with greyhound owners, learn about having a pet greyhound, and help us dispel the myths about them.
“You may even get to walk one if the owners have any to spare, which is often the case,” said Lavine.
Greyhounds like Milly are known for their quirky characters and personality. Photo: AGSN
The Great Global Greyhound Walk is taking place from 10 am on Sunday 17 June 2018, starting from the carpark between the National Library and Reconciliation Place.
For more information or to view dogs currently available for adoption, visit www.actgsn.com.
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