Class of 2021
Reflecting on 2021: A Year of Growth, New Beginnings, and Gratitude
As we look back on 2021, we are filled with immense joy and gratitude for the many hounds and homes that have joined the GGA family. It has been a true pleasure getting to know our new members and watching all of our graduates thrive in their forever homes. Your updates continue to bring smiles to us, as well as to your greyhounds’ racing and kennel families. We want to express our deepest thanks to all of you for giving our special diamonds a place in your home and heart. The bond between adopters, greyhounds, and the racing community is something truly unique, and we are honoured to be part of it.
While COVID-19 certainly presented many obstacles, GGA was thrilled to continue placing so many retired greyhounds into their forever homes. Your unwavering support and trust have made this possible, and we are so grateful for it.
In 2021, GGA partnered with Greyhound Pet Adoption Florida Southeast (GPA FL SE), Greyhound Retirement Adoption Care and Education (GRACE), Greyhound Welfare, GreyHeart Greyhound Adoption of Michigan, and God's Greyt Angel Adoption.
As we move into 2022, we are excited to welcome even more retirees into our foster care program. With a growing list of retirees eager to come "North of the 49th", we can’t wait to continue matching these incredible hounds with their perfect homes. The GGA family is expanding, and we look forward to sharing even more stories of success and joy in the year ahead.
The GGA Family
To view all photos in the adoptee's gallery, tap the arrow on either side of the image.
Ranger (Rs's Hammerdown)
The Wang Family
Gotcha Day - January 11, 2021
Ranger had another great year. When he’s not being spoiled with endless pets and treats from his grandparents, Ranger loves exploring the neighbourhood trails at Sunnybrook Park with his humans. At home, he’s constantly on squirrel and raccoon patrol, interrupted by the occasional zoomie. Although he’s never caught any furry intruders, his enthusiasm never wanes. Ranger’s playful spirit and love for adventure continue to bring joy to his family every day!
Roscoe (Windy Rosco)
The Parker Family
Gotcha Day - January 13, 2021
Roo roo, roo roo roo, friends and fellow hounds! This has been a big year - again. I love the backyard at our new place. Plenty of space to run and dig. Sometimes I get in trouble for digging. I'm never quite sure why. It's such a perfect digging spot, but there's always a lot of the word "garden." Our basement had a leak in June so the home has been in turmoil. I had to spend so much time in the living room, but I've finally been reunited with my family in the new sleeping rooms. Throughout the construction, I did a bang up job of protecting the home, alerting all within hearing distance of any intruders. Eventually, I came to know two of the contractors as family, and was able to relax when they were visiting. I continue to visit with Count for occasional sleepovers and loved gathering with more than 20 other hounds (at least 12 should be in this newsletter) for the Great Global Greyhound Walk this past fall. It's always lovely to hear from you all. I wish you a wonderful Howliday Season and a Happy Roo Year!
Google (Pat C Google It)
The da Costa & Willett Family
Gotcha Day - January 13, 2021
Hello everyone! It’s me, Google—the 6-year-old brindle bundle of bounciness! I’ve been having a fantastic time lately, soaking up the good life! Over all, my health has been good, and my healed broken leg from my track days has not held me back in the least! That said, I have been having a few extra health checkups lately to make sure I’m in tip-top shape, as my tummy and kidneys have been doing some funny things. Don’t worry, though! I’m in greyt hands with the vets here in Ottawa, and they’re sorting everything out with me and keeping me feeling good! I’ve had my fair share of adventures, too! When I'm not at home snuggling with my pack or eviscerating my stuffies and throwing "fluff" everywhere, I'm frolicking in our meadow or exploring the forest, where I love to run (of course), sniff all the smells, and join the local deer in munching on grass. But the real highlight? The beach! I’ve discovered a new love for the water—not exactly swimming, but I do like to lay down in it and take a big drink. It’s almost like I’m multitasking, getting cooled off and hydrated at the same time! Another favourite thing of mine (and it happens quite often here with so many hoomans in the house) is birthday parties! Whenever I hear the “Happy Birthday” song, I just can’t help myself—I have to join in with my big, happy “roo!” It makes me so excited and happy to be part of the celebration. No birthday is complete without my enthusiastic howling to the tune—it’s my special way of showing how much I love being a part of my pack! When I’m not adventuring, I’ve been spoiling myself with vacation getaways to Auntie BJ’s house, where I get to hang out with my cousin Freeze. We play, we cuddle, and let’s just say—I’m definitely the spoiled one. The treats flow like rivers, and the love is endless. Oh, and did I mention I went cabin camping this year? Two weeks in the great outdoors! I did so well, even when a couple of storms made us all cooped up inside. Honestly, it was kind of fun—snuggling up and listening to the rain while dreaming of the next big adventure! In the fall, a special guest arrived—a porcupine! She stayed for about 2.5 weeks, and I really wanted to be her friend. My nose was on high alert, but sadly, she didn’t quite feel the same. Maybe next time! Through it all, I’m getting even more snuggly and playful as time goes on. Life’s been amazing, and I can’t wait for more adventures with my favorite humans. Thanks for keeping up with me—sending tail wags and happy sniffs to all my fellow greyhounds! With love, wags, and chatters, Google
King (Sandy King)
The Krause & Evans Family
Gotcha Day - January 23, 2021
It was a year of change for our Stripey Boy this year as we sadly had to bid farewell to Guinness, his Brother from Another Mother, leaving King to learn about and grow into his role as a solo hound for the first time. It’s only been a few months but we’re relieved to note that he’s finding his way and gaining confidence and joy little by little each day. We’re so happy to see the return of his sweet smile and occasional mini-Zoomie and continue to give him love and grace as we all heal from our loss together. This year King has confirmed that he is a champion snuggler and that his favourite place is with his head in the lap of one of his humans. His second favourite is pretty well anywhere his humans are, especially if there is a sun bath to be had. Despite a chronic limp whose resolution continues to allude the most caring and diligent vets and therapists alike, King happily embarks on his morning walks along Kingston’s waterfront, meeting the many folks who give him head rubs (“Oh he’s so soft!) and the occasional biscuit (bonus!). He’s even starting to be curious about the other dogs he meets, large or small, and now greets the familiar ones with perky ears and a happy tail. Overall, King remains a charming, beautiful, gentle giant that fills our home with greyt sweetness and even greyter love.
Ajax (Hashtag Ajax)
The Yao-Lazaris Family
Gotcha Day - February 20, 2021
Ajax is doing very well and continues to live his best retired life. He still cares about one thing and one thing only, the love of his life- eggs. Last Feb, he had 7 of his teeth pulled out but has made a swift recovery and is happier than ever. He’s also made some friends with the other dogs in the neighbourhood and they are always on patrol to protect everyone from squirrels.
Versace (Tk Versace)
The Mathias Family
Gotcha Day - March 6, 2021
Versace was called to the Rainbow Bridge on January 24, 2024, after discovering a cancerous mass on his neck.
Dixie Away (Shes Got A Way)
The Dawe Family
Gotcha Day - March 6, 2021
Dixie Away was called to the Rainbow Bridge on March 13, 2024 after a diagnosis of osteosarcoma.
Lexi (Kd's Lexi)
The Bird & Mills Family
Gotcha Day - March 11, 2021
Lexi continues to enjoy her retirement out west in Calgary. She loves the many, many parks (and smells) that she gets to go to our here. She is also adjusting to our new two-legger. She is sweet and brings a stuffy to Jack when he cries. She also tries to steal his stuffy's so there might be a problem down the road.
Mini (Ja's Minute) and Myrtle (Ja's Hour)
The Scowcroft Family
Gotcha Day - March 13, 2021
Mini and Myrtle are doing great! They keep us on a strict routine but they do let me sleep in an extra 15 minutes from time to time. Mini has a lot of important neighbourhood sniffing to keep up with so schedule delays can really affect how much work she gets done. Myrtle remains deeply skeptical of human furniture (as pictured).
Deuce (Sandy Deuce)
The Pearson Family
Gotcha Day - March 22, 2021
Deuce the Moose is doing great, he's slowing down a little at 7 and a half, but still healthy and doing big sprints, he even accidentally caught a wild rabbit the other day! Whoops! He let it free though, very merciful. He's reacted very maturely and responsibly to his new older brother duties, and he's very good about giving her space and being calm and polite. His favourite things are beef, his squeaky rainbow sloth, and being the little spoon.
Birley (Birley)
The Hunter Family
Gotcha Day - March 28, 2021
Birley continues to enjoy retirement. He is still very active and loves going to the trail, playing with toys and running out his zoomies in the yard. We leaned that Birley loves to cool down in the water on the hot days so he got his very own doggy pool this summer. Birley continues to love car rides, snacks, and people especially when they pet him. He is such a sweet, funny boy and we’re so lucky to have him in our lives
Max (Vj Made For This)
The Taylor Family
Gotcha Day - April 17, 2021
Arlow (Amf Uncle Paul)
The Mendoza & Hemeon Family
Gotcha Day - April 20, 2021
Arlow was called to the Rainbow Bridge on April 23, 2021 after his neuter lead to necrotizing fasciitis.
Van (Pj Van Wilder)
The Doppler Famliy
Gotcha Day - April 20, 2021
Freeze (Gf St Thomas)
The Tycoles Family
Gotcha Day - April 25, 2021
Freeze here – coming to you from Ottawa under somewhat balmy, sunny skies for early Nov. I have been incredibly busy over the course (see what I did – huh huh) of 2024. Not only did I get to ride on a train, a ship and a plane (private), I got tons of car rides – one of my favorite things- everyday. Mummy an’ me are very involved in several non-profits like Ottawa Victim Services where I am their mascot – this is me at this year’s Pride Parade. I also got to “hang” around with a greyt group of Greys at this year’s GrapeHound Wine tour; Mummy an’ me went in February and then went all out in July in Upper State N.Y. The bestest part of my day is when I get to go to the Ottawa Courthouse an’ halp Mummy help others. I am THE Courthouse Dog, and I work there with the OAG. Me an’ Justice Perkins-McVey are the tightest of all. I do up a FUNraising Calendar to help support another charity and this year I gots to be “Mr. September”. Mummy was grumbling as she had to hold me up underneath an’ apawrently I weigh a “ton”. For 2025, I gets to be Sherlock Bones!! I’ve gots to go and have my din-din – Mummy and me are off for another FUNraising event tonight for a little boy battling a rare form of cancer. Treatment is only available in the U.S. So, my life after never racing is so exciting – who knew what a life I would lead (oops, I did it again) up here in the Capital 😊
Luv – Freeze
Tye (Tiger)
The McGrath Family
Gotcha Day - May 1, 2021
Tiger has settled in to his 3rd year with us and despite being 8 years of age continues to display puppy-like energy and teenage antics! Now that hubby has retired, Tiger is enjoying even more daily walks and 5-7k weekly hikes with his other pawrent! He loves exploring new places, is a great car traveller and a masterful deck snoozer! Not much fazes him. Floating dock walk? Been there, done that! Near vertical hiking on the rocky terrain of Eagle's Nest lookout in Bancroft? Nailed it! He definitely has his quirks and still requires firm commands. But like most dogs, Tiger functions better when he knows what is expected of him. He has challenged and changed us and we love him to bits and beyond
Nemo (Me No Care)
The Smith & Simenac Family
Gotcha Day - May 15, 2021
Nemo's doing great and enjoying his senior years...getting more and more grey as time goes on. He's adjusted well to having most of his two-leggers gone off to college and university, and enjoying being his paw-rent's centre of attention. Besides getting spoiled on a daily basis with hugs and kisses, he's enjoying his long walks and has actually made some new 4 legged friends in the neighbourhood (not greyhound but Nemo doesn't discriminate! Haha) Unfortunately Nemo has an archive nemesis "Winston ", the chocolate lab down the street, the pawrents are hoping one day we will get along, but it's not looking promising
Jammie (Atascociata Jamia)
The Elliott Family
Gotcha Day - May 15, 2021
Jammie continues to the be happiest best girl. She enjoys meeting most dogs, chasing squirrels and the occasional raccoon, and trips to Starbucks for pup cups.
Spring (Bl Springbreak)
The Hrynyk Family
Gotcha Day - June 5, 2021
Blaise (Blaise)
The Beckwith Family
Gotcha Day - June 8, 2021
Blaise AKA Miss Sassy Pants, certainly enjoys the days I work from home. She has taken it upon herself to approach my work space followed by a series of ‘greyhound stretches’ about 15 minutes before my work day is done, signalling she is ready for her afternoon walk. Only a couple houses down is Blaise’s miniature schnauzer friend, Avro. He and Blaise enjoy walking and exploring new neighbourhood smells together. And don’t let Avro’s small size fool you, he has no problem keeping pace with Blaise’s long strides.
We are looking forward to new greyhound adventures in 2025.
Marv (Marv Cook)
The Kang & Harvey Family
Gotcha Day - June 11, 2021
Marv was called to the Rainbow Bridge on August 5, 2024 after a courageous battle against hemangiosarcoma
Vroom (Atascocita Vroom)
The Mitchell Family
Gotcha Day - June 24, 2021
Vroom the world traveller's has enjoyed 2024 by sleeping in all the places. He has taken over sofas from Whitby to Charlottetown and even was naught and jumped on Uncle Wayne's bed!! We was very polite and figured out how to lay on Uncle Wayne's sofa and not leave PEI red mud footprints!!
Mary (Mary O'Dare)
The Brockman Family
Gotcha Day - June 25, 2021
Who (Ww The Who)
The Labelle Family
Gotcha Day - July 15, 2021
Who continues to be our miracle Greyhound, and has been seizure-free for 18 months! He still wears his indoor socks to help him with keeping his lanky legs grounded on the hardwood floor, but when he is outside, he can zoomie with the best of them. He loves being outside and will never pass up an opportunity to bathe in the sun. He still amazes us with his speed, his absolute goofiness and ability to bounce back from his stroke last May. Some things haven't changed, like his need to carry around a stuffed animal (his babies) wherever he goes, and his love of sticking his cold, wet nose in your face while you're napping on the couch! And he loves talking to us, telling us when it's time for supper or a walk. He can get pretty vocal and demanding! Overall, Who has had a great 2024, living his best retired life getting spoiled almost daily with new toys, marrow bones from the butcher, long walks, dried sardines and lots and lots of pets. We love this big galoot!
Justin (Brc Justin)
The Skelton Family
Gotcha Day - July 16, 2021
Justin was called to the Rainbow Bridge on June 29, 2024 after a valiant fight against osteosarcoma.
Buddy (Buddy)
The Lee Family
Gotcha Day - July 16, 2021
Buddy was called to the Rainbow Bridge on July 16, 2021.
Tag (Gf Gurkha)
The Pioro & Dupuis-MacDonald Family
Gotcha Day - July 16, 2021
It didn't take long after getting Hunter (Hunter, GGA Class of 2023) for Tag to realize he was a big brother and he takes this job very seriously. He is always trying to get Hunter to play, when Hunter is not sure of something Tag will take the lead and show him it is ok and when Hunter gets put away Tag is sure to stay by his side. And Hunter has brought out the puppy in Tag, giving him a refreshed energy. Over the summer Tag tried to show his little brother how awesome the beach is, Tag's favorite place, however, Hunter is still not quite buying it. Likely still annoyed the water splashed him when he tried to bite it. Hunter does love all the smells and is learning to put up with the water as long as his big brother is close by. These two are always at their best when together.
Timber (Amf Pan Tan)
The Kalinina & Patrushev Family
Gotcha Day - July 24, 2021
Big G (Rs's Buckeyebuck)
The Mendoza & Hemeon Family
Gotcha Day - August 4, 2021
G is doing well. He's still the same diva princess he's always been. Whiney, pushy & demanding at times, but healthy and content. He is mainly enjoying Yara's company now, but when she gets too crazy for his liking, he just waits it out in one of the crates. He likes routine more than adventure, so he's been loving how dull our lives have been for the past year.
Caitlyn (Amf Lucy Goosey)
The Crampton Family
Gotcha Day - August 4, 2021
Caitlyn is doing very well! Enjoying her walks and naps in the sun! Her favorite person is Mike and her morning cuddle and scritches.
Tommy (Ja's Tomorrow)
The Merrithew & McColl Family
Gotcha Day - August 8, 2021
Tommy went to the Rainbow Bridge on November 14, 2021 as a result of using a retractable leash.
Farci (Amf Suburbanite)
The Hennin Family
Gotcha Day - August 13, 2021
