Last year was one of the most challenging times of my life. I was caring for my mum, who was battling stage-four bowel cancer, while also navigating a complicated relationship, and at some point I realised I had put my life on hold.
It was around this time that I found Greyhounds as Pets (GAP) through one of its adoption days at my local Petbarn. I’ve always wanted to adopt a dog, but never thought it was the “right” time. And though I don’t recommend making major life decisions amid severe emotional turmoil, I was desperate to inject some joy into my life.
Curious, I went along, thinking the adoption event would be a good introduction. Standing there quietly in a group of awkward greyhounds, an owner described the breed as “a cat in a horse’s body”. Eight months later, I adopted my three-year-old ex-race dog, Junior, through the organisation.
I also unknowingly joined a long and pointy club.
I had seen one other greyhound walking around my neighbourhood before I brought Junior home. Little did I know that there were at least six other greys living within a kilometre radius of me.
When we encountered a new greyhound friend, we were met with the same greeting: “This must be Junior.” The club was already notified of the new arrival.
When I first told my friends and family about my decision to adopt Junior, I was met with laughter and questioned about why on Earth I would want an ex-race dog.
But greyhounds are becoming an increasingly attractive choice for Australians. Once thought of as a dangerous breed that required a muzzle in public, they’re now largely understood to be a docile, affectionate and generally quiet pet option.
GAP, a not-for-profit initiative coordinated by Greyhound Racing NSW, rehabilitates racing dogs for adoption to get them into homes. GAP holds adoption days like the one I attended for the public to come and meet the dogs, in the hopes of finding loving homes for as many as possible. The last adoption event of 2025 rehomed 38 greyhounds.
While anecdotally greyhound adoption is popular, and GAP reports they’ve seen a 16 per cent year-on-year increase on the same period last year, it’s still not enough to quell the concern from animal welfare groups about the number of greyhounds bred for racing.
RSPCA NSW chief vet, Dr Liz Arnott, says that the dogs are whelped at a rate that exceeds the ability to rehome them efficiently after exiting the racing industry.
“This is unsurprising considering the general overpopulation of dogs seeking homes in shelters and pounds,” Arnott explains. “The greyhound racing industry must reconsider these breeding practices if they are to meaningfully address the issue of securing greyhounds good homes after retirement.”
Introduction of a breeding cap was one of the recommendations in an inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW led by the former head of integrity at the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, Lea Drake.
Though the ethical justifications speak for themselves, being a new greyhound owner has been the salve I was desperate for. I couldn’t ask for a dog with a better temperament. He needs a walk a day, but is happiest simply lying on his bed (or the couch) and getting his ears scratched.
The process of adoption took considerable time and care to ensure that I was matched with a dog that would be suitable for my lifestyle. The staff and volunteers at the GAP Western Sydney location, where I found Junior, were supportive and always emphasised the dogs’ wellbeing was their top priority. They made what could have been an overwhelming process as seamless as possible.
In just three weeks, Junior has managed to dig his way into my heart and home – metaphorically and physically. I become giddy when people ask about him, my search history is clogged with iterations of ‘is my greyhound happy?’ and before I reluctantly head into the office, I’m already looking forward to our evening walk. I have embraced becoming the obnoxious and indulgent pet owner I promised I wouldn’t be, but after 52 races, he deserves a home to put his paws up.
Junior has taught me that there is no “right” time to start living your life or doing the things that will bring you joy. There’s only today.
The community I’ve joined must feel the same. It’s not uncommon to see them parading their hounds around in fancy raincoats and doting on their every move.
If the New Year has you thinking about getting a dog, consider adopting a greyhound. Join the Long Dog Club. We don’t bite.
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Abby Seaman is a digital producer and lifestyle writer at The Sydney Morning HeraldConnect via email.
