Class of 2023
2023: Gratitude, Growth, and Remembrance
As 2023 draws to a close, we at Gillian’s Greyhound Adoption (GGA) are overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. This year has been one of heartwarming success stories, steadfast dedication, and the unwavering support of our incredible community. With wagging tails and full hearts, we reflect on the year’s accomplishments and the countless lives touched through compassion, commitment, and a shared love for these extraordinary dogs.
Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Your support has made 2023 a year of hope and optimism. From every update, every adoption, and every act of kindness, you have helped create a brighter future for retired greyhounds. Together, we have continued to ensure these magnificent athletes transition into homes filled with the equitable love and care they received in their racing days.
In 2023, GGA proudly partnered with Northern Sky Greyhounds, Make Peace With Animals, Greyhound Pets of America - Massachusettes, and Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW), strengthening our shared commitment to honouring retired racing greyhounds and ensuring their smooth transition into loving homes. Together with our continued partnerhips, GGA demonstrated the power of international partnerships in supporting these remarkable dogs at every stage of their lives, highlighting the dedication of the racing industry to their post-racing care.
Amidst the joys of this year, we also pause to honour the greyhounds who crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2023. Their absence leaves a profound void, but their memories remain a source of inspiration. Each hound touched our lives in unique and beautiful ways, reminding us to cherish every moment we share with these incredible companions.
In their honour, we reaffirm our commitment to the GGA mission: ensuring that every retired racer knows they will be as cherished in their forever home as they were at the puppy farm, training school and at their race kennels.. Their legacies will continue to guide us as we look ahead to 2024, determined to bring even more greyhounds into the GGA family and touch more lives along the way.
Thank you for being part of this journey and for making 2023 unforgettable. Here’s to another year of love, hope, and wagging tails!
The GGA Team
To view all photos in the adoptee's gallery, tap the arrow on either side of the image.
Pluto
The Gallivan Family
Gotcha Day - January 4, 2023
Marty (Flying Bullrider)
The Stengel Family
Gotcha Day - January 17, 2023
Marty and his "brother" Lester (Yolo Lester, GGA Class of 2024) are doing well and getting along very well too!
Tank (Gf St Croix)
The Mitchell & Norila Family
Gotcha Day - January 17, 2023
Tank is doing well. We are still working on his reactivity - it feels like two steps forward one step back sometimes, but we have the tools and we are being diligent. Aside from that, he is doing really well. We can confidently say he prefers being the only dog - or at least, he prefers it to living with a grumpy roommate that is always telling him what to do. We were sad to see Cia go; we are not sure that he was! He loves car rides (we still grab his muzzle to tell him it will be a car ride walk and not a neighbourhood walk and he is always extra chuffed to see it get touched), butt scritches, and his cuddlepillar.
Cali (Ja's California)
The Lee Family
Gotcha Day - January 31, 2023
Cali was called to the Rainbow Bridge on January 31, 2023 after a catastrophic incident lead to heat stroke.
Rodney (Js Hot Rod)
The Bavington & Leightfield Family
Gotcha Day - February 11, 2023
Prac (Flying Practical)
The Chessum & Haveron Family
Gotcha Day - February 20, 2023
Flying Practical 'Prac' is our gorgeous brindle female who is now loving her retired life in Hamilton, Canada. When not aggressively nose nudging her humans for attention, she can be found lounging on a thick, fluffy blanket that she claimed from her two-leggers as her own. This summer, she has loved going camping with her two-leggers. She has camped both in a trailer and a tent and loves all that nature has to offer during these trips. Whether it is walking on trails, running on the beach, or relaxing beside the campfire, Prac is happy spending time with her humans. When at home, she loves going on daily walks through the neighbourhood and on the beautiful trails of Hamilton. Moving forward, Prac is excited for her 10th birthday approaching over the Christmas holidays where she will be showered in gifts and treats. I think it is safe to say that she is embracing retirement life to the fullest and her humans are hoping for many more healthy years to make memories with her!
Fufu (Xk Refuse Tolose)
The Rosevear Family
Gotcha Day - February 26, 2023
Fufu is doing GREAT! We've moved on from level one dog training class and are now in "level up" which is level 2 where he'll learn "sit, stay, down"... will see about this sitting business! Fufu enjoys his morning and afternoon walks and loves to get a run in the local dog park when it's empty and he can really let loose! He did NOT like his cowboy halloween costume, but is mentally preparing for the onslaught of Christmas paraphernalia.
Fitty (Mrl Fifty Proof)
The Baker Family
Gotcha Day - March 3, 2023
Fitty the Greyhound Thriving on the East Coast! We’re thrilled to share that our beloved greyhound, Fitty, continues to thrive here on the beautiful east coast of Canada! Every day with him feels like a new adventure as his personality continues to unfold in the most wonderful ways. Once a bit reserved from his past, Fitty has fully embraced his new life, and it’s been a joy to witness his transformation. His clumsy charm and goofy, sweet disposition shine brighter with each passing day. Whether he’s scrambling in excitement for a treat curling up for a lazy afternoon nap, he’s mastered the art of making us smile. We feel incredibly lucky to have Fitty in our lives, and he seems just as happy to be here with us. Thank you all for your ongoing interest in his journey—we couldn’t imagine our home without him!
Justin (Bold Justin)
The Doucet Family
Gotcha Day - March 3, 2023
Hound (Ponda Waco Hound)
The Carr& Ulmer Family
Gotcha Day - March 3, 2023
Wicked (Amf Severe Storm)
The Repetski Family
Gotcha Day - March 4, 2023
Wick is happy I think. He bounds inside and is always happy to see us. There is almost always someone home given our schedules so I think he likes that too. Maybe three times a week we are all out for 4-5 hours but most of the time there is someone home. He is walked morn and night 99% of the time. He really likes routine... he is super funny on walks and it makes me chuckle a little when he "spooks" like a horse at a new garbage can or giant sign that is new. He does quite well on the main roard now, I remember that being a bit of an issue when we first had him. He is still a little skittish when a really big truck goes by and applies the engine breaks but not too bad and there are not too many big trucks that go by in the early morning or after dinner. Wick came camping again with us this year and did just fine. We are so glad for the use of the pen! Game changer.
Oreo (Ctw Oreo Truffle)
The Marshall Family
Gotcha Day - March 18, 2023
This past year has been a busy one as we celebrated both Oreos gotcha day and 6th birthday. He's done lots of exploring and though we haven't been too far, he certainly enjoy walking the trails and spending time lounging on the beach and in the river. He loves just standing in the river and taking in the rays. He's really opened up in the last little bit here and is a total snuggler. He can always be found cuddling with someone (at least until he gets too hot). He's the king of silly faces and photos and I love him dearly.
Stark (Slatex Stark)
The Sciarrillo Family
Gotcha Day - March 18, 2023
Spud (Cet Dirty Spud)
The Dulude Family
Gotcha Day - April 8, 2023
Spud has been enjoying his retirement doing the two things he likes best - playing with his toys, and napping on the two-leggers’ bed. He has also been going on new adventures, like going apple picking and vacationing at the cottage. Spud wants wish everyone happy holidays!
Messier (Keeper Messier)
The Appleyard & Bell Family
Gotcha Day - April 10, 2023
Messier has had several house guests this past year, including Brucie. He went on a sleep over at GGA Alumn Lily’s house. He had been on a few trips to the lake, and is not very fond of the water. He conquered the lure chasing at the Sheep Dog Trials here in Kingston! He went on a trip to the big city of downtown Toronto, stayed in a pet friendly hotel, saw the CN tower and Roundhouse park. He got his picture taken in front of the “Toronto” sign at City Hall. He took the ferry to Picton and visited a few breweries. All in all a good 2024!
Bayla (Turbo Bayla)
The Bard Family
Gotcha Day - May 14, 2023
Bayla has been enjoying her walks around the neighborhood and up in the trails at Laurentian University. The highlight of her summer was a visit with the other greyhounds at Gillian's and meeting GGA alumni Alpha (Disgruntled, GGA Class of 2024) on some of her walks.
Phantom
The Moore Family
Gotcha Day - May 21, 2023
This was a big year for Phantom and Kip Cowboy (Plainsman, GGA Class of 2020)! Phantom graduated from her crate to running the house this spring!! Kip celebrated his 8th birthday. Phantom has gotten a lot bigger, almost as tall as Kip now! They enjoy our walks through the woods and Phantom always finds a stick to carry back down the hill no matter if it's loose or still stuck in the ground! She is living her best life---she is sooo happy!! Her and Kip are the perfect pair. They like to chase each other around in our fenced in yard here at home and at the beach. They love to visit all the campers at the beach....it's their happy place. They had their annual visit from Rocky the greyhound and his pawtents. They also had a sleepover at his house last fall. Kip is finally allowed to play with his toys again LOL since Phantom has quieted down a bit, she will allow it. They really have become the best of friends - we really couldn't think of a better Pairing. Phantom has learned how to open the bedroom door now because she loves to lay in the big bed...and closet doors....she brings us our shoes ....that girl gets into everything...she is so much fun! Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for bringing Kipperoo Cowboy and Phantom Daisy into our lives. They make each day a new adventure!
Percy (Keeper Perseus)
The Cicchelli Family
Gotcha Day - June 5, 2023
Percy is living his best life with our family. Norton and Percy have become besties and truly love one another. Percy loves going in the car on adventures and enjoys his trips to Starbucks for a Pup Cup. Percy brings so much joy to our family and everyone he meets. We love him very much.
Winston (Ww Gothika)
The Gimpoli Family
Gotcha Day - July 1, 2023
Winston was called to the Rainbow Bridge on November 19, 2023 after a courageous battle with tonsil carcinoma.
Jamba (Kb's Jambalaya)
The Cote Menard Family
Gotcha Day - July 2, 2023
Jamba has adjusted very well to life with us and so have we, with him.
It has been so great to see our son interact with Jamba, this past year. They are truly two peas in a pod! Even at seventeen William’s favourite thing to do, is cuddle with Jamba after a long day at school. It is truly precious to see.
Jamba spends his days lounging around the house, preferring to be in the same room as us whenever possible. When Chris is working at home, Jamba prefers to lay down in the office where we have an old comforter set up for him on the carpet but eventually he usually sneak off to the master bedroom where we will find him comfortably snoozing on the bed.
During his daily walks, he's not shy about pointing out which route he prefers to take, requiring a bit of coaxing when we don't agree with this choice. He is still interested in squirrels and rabbits in our neighbourhood, but no longer tries to run after them. He also does very well with all dogs and people that want to say hi.
He enjoys playing with us in the house, for a whole 5 minutes after which time he takes his toy and goes to one of his beds to have a nap.
This last year has been great with Jamba! We take him with us whenever we can and he enjoys meeting new people and other dogs. On family visits he gets along with our family’s pets too. His calm and quiet nature makes him welcomed wherever we go.
Zackie (Xb Zac)
The Ward Family
Gotcha Day - July 12, 2023
Zackie has become one of our most helpful counsellors at Camp Greyhound, keeping campers happy and on their toes. She loves running in the pasture, and is always interested in treats and pets. She and new sister Louisa and Charmin are our brindle beauties!
Winston (Amf Wichwinston)
The Goddard Family
Gotcha Day - July 14, 2023
Winston has come such a long way this past year. In Sept 2023 he spent a week in emergency ICU, a very sick boy, diagnosed with IMPA - immune mediated polyarthritis. Winston still has regular check ups with his Internal medicine specialist, but has been off all meds and in remission for 5 wonderful months. Our 85 pounds of happy hound loves his 5km walks every day along the beach trail. He's not the shy boy he once was; now he's happy to meet new people usually flashing his big toothy grin. Even when in trouble for chasing squirrels through the garden he immediately comes when called, big happy smile on his face. Winston has learned so much from his big sister Greytey, but not chasing squirrels is really really hard. While we have to be mindful of Winston's IMPA & some limitations, we are so grateful he remains in remission. He's a happy healthy boy enjoying his retirement, just as it should be.
George (Keeper Cry)
The Haskell Family
Gotcha Day - July 16, 2023
Hello GGA Family! I continued to get settled into my new life and celebrated one year of retirement! I continued my new career as the mascot at my dad's work, working to boost morale but looking cute and sleeping on my comfy bed. It's hard having a full time job but I make the best of it. I frequently visit my great-grandpaw and his friends at his long term care home too! They get so happy when I come in, everyone calling me King George for my regal looks! Last Christmas everyone loved my Christmas sweater and Santa hat. They also love the stories of my racing days and hearing about how fast I am! Mom even shows off a video of one of my races. She loves to brag about me, but who can blame her.I also started to donate blood. The vets say I'm the BEST boy and even text my mom when they are in town so I can come in! It's a super important cause and every blood donation can save up to three dogs! All in all, retirement has been filled with sleep, cuddles, walks and snacks. Life is pretty great here.
Knox (Knox)
The Berdan Family
Gotcha Day - July 28, 2023
Pinch (Bgr Pitch Hitter)
The Stafford-Brabander Family
Gotcha Day - August 3, 2023
Lavi (Bt's Lavender)
The Chadjiioannou Family
Gotcha Day - August 11, 2023
Harvey (Amf Gone There)
The Miller Family
Gotcha Day - September 12, 2023
Jack (Fab Two Times)
The Strange Family
Gotcha Day - October 29, 2023
Jack continues to thrive in his life of retired luxury. He loves his long walks in the neighborhood, during which he charms all the local ladies of a certain age! Balcony time is another favourite, where he can watch the world go by from his "cuddle-bed". Jack's apartment-girlfriend Luna has recently relocated to Ottawa, which puts him back on the dating market!! He's been a great motivation for my Dad to walk a bit every day, and he brings so much happiness to my mother and aunt, who both live nearby. Bringing Jack into my life has been the single-best decision I've ever made! We love him to the moon and back.
Hunter (Hunter)
The Pioro & Dupuis-MacDonald Family
Gotcha Day - November 4, 2023
It didn't take long after getting Hunter for Tag (Gf Gurkha, GGA Class of 2021) 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.
Tucker (Tucker)
The Hall Family
Gotcha Day - November 4, 2023
