13 June 2013

Media Release

1000th Greyhound starts retired life in new home

Greyhound lovers today celebrated a major milestone with the 1000th retired Greyhound being successfully rehomed.  Blaze, a four-year-old, fawn and white greyhound was adopted by her new family two weeks ago and is settling in well to her new life of retirement.

Blaze was rehomed through the hugely popular Greyhounds as Pets (GAP) charity, which finds new homes for greyhounds after they’ve finished their racing careers.

Jacqui Eyley, GAP’s Programme Director, said the 1000th rehoming was a special milestone for the organisation’s eighty odd volunteers and the wider Greyhound racing community. 

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have reached this stage.  It seems like only yesterday when we rehomed our first dog, Rosie, back in 2006. 

“Greyhounds really do make the most adorable pets. They’re gentle, intelligent and affectionate and are surprisingly easy to care for. They’ve done their dash around the track and like all of us who dream of retirement, they just want to spend their days lapping up the good life and snoozing on the couch.”

Established by Greyhound Racing New Zealand, GAP operates nationwide through two kennel bases, one in each island.  All greyhounds are micro-chipped, de-sexed and vaccinated before being placed in homes. GAP also has a dedicated team of foster carers who look after the dogs while they’re waiting to be adopted.  While in foster care the dogs become accustomed to the career change and their new life as a pet.  

“As any dog owner will tell you, every dog has its own personality.  And it’s the same with greyhounds.  Some just absolutely love the company of children.  Others are happy with company on the couch.

“Our greyhounds are carefully assessed and matched with their new owners.  We’re kind of like a dating agency, but our success in finding true love is much higher!” she said.

After a successful career spanning 72 races, Blaze is settling in well to her new home with Darren and Dallas McKenzie and their two girls.  

Dallas said that Blaze’s arrival into the family had turned some heads, especially those of their three cats.

“Our kids’ faces just lit up when Blaze first walked in the door.  She’s certainly a fit looking dog and I did wonder how we’d ever be able to give her enough exercise.  But she’s actually incredibly lazy and while she loves her walks she’s happy to snuggle down with the kids on the sofa.  She’s an absolute sweetie and already feels part of the family.”

Greyhounds have a long and illustrious history being the favoured pet of the nobility in several cultures.  In Egypt the greyhound was valued highly by the pharaohs for its speed, grace and agility and is featured on engravings inside the pyramids. Alexander the Great, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I were owners of Greyhounds and it is the only dog breed to be mentioned in the bible.

For more information visit www.greyhoundsaspets.org.nz

Picture: Blaze with her new family from left: Regan McKenna, Dallas McKenna, Sarah McKenna and Darren McKenna

ENDS

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