Class of 2019
2019: Friends, Family, and Diamonds in the Rough
In 2019, Gillian’s Greyhound Adoption (GGA) continued its strong focus on friends and family adoptions, placing retired racers into pro-racing homes where trust, community, and matching home and hound needs remained at the heart of every match. These personal connections showcased our strong relationships with kennel owners, trainers, and the extended greyhound racing community. This year also marked the start of our “Diamonds in the Rough” program, an initiative dedicated to helping retired racing greyhounds who may need a little extra time and guidance to transition into pet life.
What is “Diamonds in the Rough”?
Diamond in the rough: one having exceptional qualities or potential but lacking refinement or polish. Some greyhounds thrive immediately after retirement, while others require a bit of extra attention to find their footing in a home environment. Whether adjusting to household routines, needing behavioural assistance, or medical rehabbing, our 'diamonds in the rough' found a group that could support them, polish them, and help them become amazingly balanced retirees. With the support of their trainers, adoption advocates, and loving fosters, these greyhounds transitioned beautifully into family life, proving that every retired racer has the potential to be a superstar pet.
This year reaffirmed what GGA has always stood for: respecting greyhounds as amazing athletes who come from amazing farms and kennels where they are cared for and spoiled, and ensuring they move from the track to home life with care and thoughtfulness. The launch of “Diamonds in the Rough” highlighted the versatility and adaptability of these incredible dogs, and we’re proud to have been part of their journey.
The GGA Family
To view all photos in the adoptee's gallery, tap the arrow on either side of the image.
Steph Sandor (Ts Steph Curry)
The Paschen-Pritchard Family
Gotcha Day - May 19, 2019
Hershey (Hershey)
The Schormann Family
Gotcha Day - August 25, 2019
Win Wyn (Cbj Winchester)
The Mahmood Family
Gotcha Day - October 6, 2019
Hi everyone! Wyn here! I can't believe it's the end of the year already - we've been so busy! This year I'm embracing my role as the Man of the House - I even finally taught my weird sister Amy how to get on the couch! While I'm a little older, I'm still the same pup on the inside - I still love spinning in circles after a really great poop, spinning in circles while doing a circle-kick on mom's ankle, and trying to figure out what the letter W-A-L-K spell! Unfortunately, there are some bad actors who are jealous of my beauty and elegance. A lady on the elevator said my head looked like a bicycle seat, while my mom's boyfriend is always trying to play my ribs like a xylophone. And while we had a lot of great times this year, I got really sick at one point from something I shouldn't have eaten on a walk while mum was away! It was scary but we have the greatest pup-sitter in the world who made sure I got the care I needed and I'm happy to announce I'm back to tip-top shape! There were some bad people called "mom's job" who tried to make her go back into an office but I made a solid case for why I'm a big old mama's boy and need her close to me at all times, and we won that battle! Now I get to howl while she's in "meetings" but really, I'm doing HER a favour by contributing important information about critical Key Pawformance Indicators. Lastly, we are appreciative of Auntie Gillian and our big needlenose community for always being there when we need a friend, advice, or when I fake a limp just because my mum isn't spending enough at the vet. We wish everyone a joyful holiday season and a happy new year!
Dragon (Ctw Dragon Scout)
The O'Donnell & Ramsay Family
Gotcha Day - February 28, 2020
These pics are from our long awaited vacation! Living near the coastline is a joy for us as well as Dragon, he just loves the water! And he loves to share, by means of splashing just about every drop from his water bowl whenever he drinks, a total slob!
This year we tried new things like RVing and stayed at MacGreggor Point Prov Park on the coastline of Lake Huron where we live. Dragon absolutely loved every minute of it, especially the driving part, he enjoyed watching out the window and hopping into the passenger seat anytime Scott got out of it. Bet Dragon thought that we turned his back seat into a house, complete with bed!
Dragon is a very good intuitive, he’ll call on me when I’m in our shop or studio whenever he feels people need a visit with him; then I’ll release the hound and just enjoy the joy. He’s also joined me when I meet with clients in my healing practice. It’s always extra special when he’s around, we’re ever so grateful he choose us.