STRESSED AND HYPERVIGILANT? A greyhound can help

By Nicholas Damiani

Loyal

What’s not to love about the racing dog Australians affectionately call the “dishlicker”?

Police Association members and their families now have a unique opportunity to find out what all the fuss is about Greyhound Racing SA and Greyhounds Australasia have partnered with the Police Association and the United Firefighters Union of SA to set up the Greyhounds as Mates adoption programme.

The programme, which all four organizations launched together in early February, provides members of both unions with the opportunity to adopt a greyhound as a pet

The concept has already been a roaring success in New South Wales, and Greyhound Racing SA chief executive officer Bodelle Francis told the Police Journal she expects our version of the programme to yield similar results

“(Your members) do so much for our great state,” she said.

“And I think greyhounds are a great stress relief They’re the perfect animal for police officers ”

Ms Francis was also quick to allay any fears cops might have about not being able to find the right match for their home or family environment

“There is a (type of) greyhound for every single person,” she explained

“They’re all very unique with their own personalities, and our adoption team do a fabulous job of making sure that we match the right dog with the right person and the right home

“Some greyhounds are okay with other pets like cats, some are good with children, some prefer to be in a single-dog household

“Depending on the individual’s scenario, there is certainly a greyhound for everyone

“The adoption officers will always chat to the person who is looking to adopt, to find out a bit more about their lifestyle and what they’re looking for in a dog

“All of our greyhounds that are up for adoption are listed on our website, so members can learn a bit about the age, colour, sex and personality of each dog ”

And what about some of the more common perceptions about greyhounds? That they’re too active, or need too much space?

They’re myths, according to Francis

“People think they need a lot of exercise, but that certainly isn’t the case,” she said. “They have short bursts of energy, and then they’re actually quite lazy by nature.

“Some people also think they need a lot of space, but they don’t We’ve successfully placed greyhounds into apartments

Sometimes a short walk is all they need

“For people who are more active, they can also build up to longer walks ”

Though some of the greyhounds up for adoption have never actually hit the track, there are also a sizeable number of former racing dogs now looking for their “forever home”.

Ms Francis explained that all the dogs — whether they have raced or not — have been given the best possible start in life.

“All of our greyhounds in the programme will come fully vaccinated, microchipped, desexed – and they’ve had the appropriate dental work done,” she said

“On top of that, we’re offering to (Police Association) members three months’ worth of kibble, and any veterinary work up to the amount of $3,500 in the first three months ”

Police Association president Mark Carroll believes the programme will benefit a significant number of members.

“We know about the physical and mental toll of hypervigilance, about how so many cops really struggle to switch off from the job when they’re off duty,” he said

“One of the things I said at the programme launch was: ‘Imagine if one of these beautiful dogs actually saved a police officer’s mental or physical health ’

“Even if it benefitted one member in that fashion, it would be worthwhile

“And these wonderful dogs are already in need of a home, so it’s a win-win situation

“We’re very happy to be a part of it, and I know from speaking to (United Firefighters Union secretary) Max Adlam that the firies are too. ”

Mr Carroll said Greyhounds Australasia CEO Rob Vellar — who helped launch a similar version of the programme in NSW — is himself a former police officer

“He knows first-hand what cops go through, having been in the job himself,” he said

“So, when I heard about the NSW programme, I knew immediately we had to get Rob on board for our members.” PJ

To find out more about adopting a greyhound call 8243 7124 or visit www.gapsa.org.au