To The People at GPAC,

We weren’t looking for a dog when we met. We already had four dogs and a cat. We were looking for a way to give to our community in a way that we would find enjoyable. That’s where our fostering stories begin. We have met so many crazy, funny characters I won’t get into them all. Maybe someday I’ll write a book of short stories on them. I am writing you to thank you for our Fifth foster and greatest joy (don’t tell the shelties and the cat) Buddy. His name was Hizzonur and he came from the North Shore Kennel of Lynn. He was a gentle goof ball from the start. We figured he was “just a foster” so we called him Bud all the time. Hence the name Buddy. We might have been more creative if we’d known from the start that we would fall in love with him. *Note to foster people always use a name you will love forever; just incase. He is a perfect addition to our family and he makes us smile at least 50 times a day.

Thank You for Buddy and the many other foster pups we’ve had the pleasure to experience.

Mary Jewers, Andrew Jessome, The Shelties & sometimes The Cat.

Our adoption of 2 greyhounds in an 11 month period was amazing. From
the application submission to the informative home visit to adoption
day everything was remarkably smooth and easy yet fully prepared us for
what to expect. The ongoing support of the discussion group as well as
Jeanette's availability whenever needed means you never feel alone when
any questions arise. Greyhounds are the sweetest and most loving pets
and have fit in easily with our whole family from kitties to
grandchildren!
Kathy & Wayne Archibald

Rudy became a member of our household in the fall of 2009. Shortly after we learned of GPAC, we made an initial trip out to the kennel to meet Jeanette, the dedicated GPAC volunteers, and the greyhounds. We immensely enjoyed the chance to greet all of the greyhounds and were particularly smitten by Rudy, who was then known as Zupita Arod. After filling out an application to adopt from GPAC, a volunteer living in our area visited our home with her grey, Mufasa. Cathy spent about two hours reviewing the adoption process, providing us with 'Greyhound 101' information, and making sure we had engaged in thoughtful and thorough consideration of our intention to adopt. The next step was an interview with Jeanette, in which she further augmented our understanding of the issues related to greyhound care as we went step-by-step through the comprehensive manual she has developed through GPAC. Jeanette also focused on ensuring that there would be a strong reciprocal match between greyhound and family, and thankfully confirmed that Rudy promised to be a good match!

Having been a very happy adoptive family for more than four months now, we cannot say enough about the quality of service and dogs that GPAC provides. We have a healthy, happy four-year-old dog, who very quickly acclimated to our family and home. I think this is due in good part to the fact that he had been well-socialized and treated during his racing years and during the time spent at the GPAC kennel and in a foster placement. There is a lot to be said about bringing home a mature, well-behaved, and housebroken dog! In addition to these bonuses, greyhounds are known for being quiet (Rudy rarely barks), placid, and patient. These qualities have made Rudy a wonderful addition to our home. Our ‘gentle giant’ is loving, but not demanding. He asks very little of us beyond the occasional tummy rub as he assumes the famous greyhound belly-up ‘cockroach’ pose. He is happiest curled up on his bed in our study, but is also quite thrilled to head off to his crate when asked (knowing that a treat will be forthcoming). Rudy loves a good romp or time with a squeaky toy, but then quickly resumes his 'couch potato' role. Rudy also became a fantastic 'mentor' and companion to our younger dog who was missing canine camaraderie after the loss of her previous 'mentor'. It has been a challenge to restrain ourselves and to maintain the status quo of two dogs (for now); given how easily Rudy adjusted, it is very tempting to bring home a few more!

GPAC has engendered an incredibly strong sense of community among those who have adopted. One need only witness the support offered via the daily exchange of e-mails on the GPAC listserv by owners across Canada, covering topics such as feeding, health issues, clothing, boarding, etc. There are also multiple greyhound public awareness campaigns carried out in the form of meet-and-greets, dog expos, etc. Jeanette has developed a strong and loyal organization committed to ensuring that these grey't dogs find the homes they deserve once their racing days are behind them. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have been able to welcome Rudy into our lives.

Beth, Peter, and Rachel Robinson

Our search for a dog began by looking at the temperament of different breeds. We didn’t necessarily want to have a pure breed but thought that was the best place to start. Rescuing a dog was at the top of the priority list. Then we stumbled upon GPAC’s site. I had never considered a Greyhound before this and knew very little about the breed or their background in the racing community. The GPAC site contains such great information my husband and I started learning all we could about them. The more we read the more we liked and decided to volunteer to get even more familiar with them. (I would highly recommend this if anyone is in the same situation as us)

Well, I fell totally in love with Grey’s from that 1st day at the kennel. They were all so loving, gentle and beautiful. I cannot accurately express how much I love these animals. The best way would be to say that they just got under my skin. We filled out our application on line and continued to volunteer whenever we were able. The house inspection / interview were very helpful & the folks who come over were great. They were so eager to share their knowledge, tips and stories with us. There were things that we didn’t even consider such as our basement stairs were very slippery and they recommended that we try to do something to make less treacherous for the dog as when they come from the track they have no clue what they even are.

We ended up waiting about 6 months for Daniel to arrive. He came home in August of 2007. Jeanette was great at knowing what we were looking for and I trusted that she would make the right choice for us. There were a few that we came across while at the kennel and asked about but were not well suited to us. I appreciated the honesty and the dedication to getting the fit right. When the call came about Daniel I cried I was so excited. We went out to meet him and the rest has been wonderful. We are able to take him lots of places because his temperament is so mild. We even get comments from family & friends on how amazing it is that we can leave food on the table and not worry that he will nibble on it, even if we are out of the room. (I know this is not common in all greyhounds) He is a great addition to our little family I couldn’t ask for a better boy. I could not imagine not having him here & feel my life is richer with him in it.

As I am sure most dog owners can understand - he melts my heart every time I look at him. There were a few bumps in the road (Daniel didn’t want to drink or eat for the first few days) but Jeanette & the rest of the GPAC family have been there to guide us. I think that I will always feel grateful to GPAC for what they do and their amazing efforts to give these beautiful dogs the best homes possible. They are truly an amazing group of people!! Thank you all for our wonderful boy!

Stacy Forgey-Laronde