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
Just like that, another year with our sweet girl Prac (Flying Practical) has flown by. This year came with a big change for Prac and her humans- a move. This new house is in the countryside situated on a 3/4 of an acre lot for Prac to explore. She is loving it and has settled in flawlessly. The only complaint Prac has is that her two leggers sleep in past 7:30am too consistently while she wants to get up and start her day! Prac still loves her long walks and is still her energetic self as she approaches her 11th birthday. She loves car rides and camping trips, and is even more persistent with her nose nudges when she wants her head scratched. Overall, it has been a great year with our old girl. We are looking forward to more camping trips, walks and car rides as we drift into 2026. It is going to be another great year, I can already tell!
Fufu (Xk Refuse Tolose)
The Rosevear Family
Gotcha Day - February 26, 2023
He's doing really well and I would say is FULLY settled into life here... "velcro dog" doesn't really do it justice and we often think of renaming him FOMO as he doesn't want to miss ANYTHING. He's absolutely the sweetest dog, on our daily walks other dogs often bark and react to him and he is so stoic and just prances along gracefully, totally ignoring them. He has also made friends with a cat on our street who seems not afraid of him at all so they'll often have a little "hello" sniff. Currently the Christmas tree is up and he's a bit put out by it requiring his bed to be moved over 2 feet further into the living room, lol.
Fitty (Mrl Fifty Proof)
The Baker Family
Gotcha Day - March 3, 2023
As we approach 2026, it’s hard to believe that it has almost been 3 years since Fitty joined our family. Fitty is a gentle, sweet-natured soul whose clumsy charm continues to make us smile every day.
He has enjoyed 2025 exploring life in the Maritimes — summers in Prince Edward Island, Thanksgiving visits to Fredericton, and his cozy home life in Dartmouth. He continues to thrive, relax, and we are so grateful to have him in our lives.
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
Oreo has really come out of his shell this past year! He's been sharing his goofy and sincerely loving personality. We've had a couple adventures so far, mostly to the beach, but Oreos favourite past time is couch surfing and baking in the sun on the porch. Oreo also loves going for walks and doing some trails and definitely enjoys sniffing every single blade of grass with his buddy, River. It has been the best having Oreo as my constant companion. He goes everywhere with me, is a champion car passenger, and is always game for whatever we get up to.
Stark (Slatex Stark)
The Sciarrillo Family
Gotcha Day - March 18, 2023
Spud (Cet Dirty Spud)
The Dulude Family
Gotcha Day - April 8, 2023
Spud is happy and loved, he recently went to his first Romp and Roo and he has attended his second annual barktober fest. He has also developed the uncanny ability to jump into bed without disturbing it at all, allowing him to join his parents in bed around 4am without them being the wiser for hours.
Messier (Keeper Messier)
The Appleyard & Bell Family
Gotcha Day - April 10, 2023
This is Messier coming at you with an annual update from my new home! I’ve upgraded to a new address with way more sunbeams. Moving time was very confusing. My two leggers were acting very strange, and I was very anxious but I got to visit with my buddy King! I was anxious the first week at my new home too, but I’m getting more comfortable. I did my first roach yesterday! Definitely a sign that I’m feeling more at home.
There are so many interesting smells on my new walks and I’ve met lots of new all breed friends.
Here are a few pictures from 2025. I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoyed making them.
Bayla (Turbo Bayla)
The Bard Family
Gotcha Day - May 14, 2023
Bayla has had a busy and exciting year as she continued to explore many trails and lakes around Sudbury with her family. Her biggest highlight was a fun-filled stay at Camp Greyhound, where she made lots of new friends. She also enjoyed a visit to Orillia, spending time with her energetic Boston Terrier cousins.
Now that her family has moved to a new neighborhood in Sudbury, Bayla is back to doing what she loves—exploring every path, scent, and corner of her new surroundings. Here’s to more adventures ahead!
Phantom
The Moore Family
Gotcha Day - May 21, 2023
2025 was a year of up and downs for Kipperoo Cowboy (Plainsman, Class of 2020)! In July he had to have his toe amputated because it kept popping out of joint so the vet thought it was best to come off. While that healed quickly unfortunately his knuckle poked out through the skin and it has just now in Nov fully healed. Good thing Bruce is good with first aid, he changed Kips foot bandage daily! On a good note though, our family was lucky enough to meet Gillian and her crew when they made their way to Nova Scotia this year! Never did we ever think we would meet the lady that made our dreams come true with adopting Kip and Phantom! It was a grey't visit and thank you so much for popping in to see us! Phantom has had an awesome year with her birthday coming up in Dec. She will be turning 4! One thing that she did around Halloween was she saw there were treats on sale at Petsmart online for 3.77 a bag! Well she wasn't long taking a peek at my credit card number and ordered up a bunch lol. But momma, she said, I only ordered 16 bags coz that's how many I had to order to get free shipping!! What a girl! Kip and Phantom met a new Friend this year. His name is Magic and he is such a sweet handsome boy. Magic and his pawrents came camping with us on our lot and they have become grey't friends!!
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
Heres Zackie, doing what she does best! Zac celebrated her 5th birthday this past January and is the baby of our family, younger than all her siblings and she keeps them on her toes. We could not imagine life at Camp Greyhound without her, she welcomes each camper warmly with an invitation to play. We love you Zackie, you're the best!
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
George was called to the Rainbow Bridge on March 15, 2025 after a courageous battle with suspected fibrocartilaginous embolism.
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
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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 do so well in his forever home. He charms all the neighbours in our building, loves Chinese food/movie nights at his auntie Jeanne's, and has taken to sleeping next to his Mom's bed on a makeshift set up of a duvet and pillows. He's crazy about car rides, and is such a good boy at the vet's and groomers. I can't imagine my life without him, and I find the touch of grey under his chin makes him even more handsome!!
Hunter (Hunter)
The Pioro & Dupuis-MacDonald Family
Gotcha Day - November 4, 2023
Life of the Crazy and Chaotic Hunter! A year of squeaky toys and ‘creative interpretations of bed laying exercises’, not to be confused with bed fails, for this silly energic boy. He still loves to go for his walks and run and play in the backyard, and in the house. There isn’t too much ‘down’ time for this 4 year old boy going on 1 but he definitely keeps his pawrents busy and the house full of laughter. There is still room for learning for this little pup, he seems to think all apples and meditation cushion belong to him, to eat or destruction purposes, but a light snack and meditation aren’t the worsts things. Other than that he spends the rest of his time destroying toys, killing squeakers and hopping from yoga mat to yoga mat, most likely playing the floor is lava. His pawrents are waiting for the day this sweet boy settles down but coming to terms that it just might not be in the stars.
Tucker (Tucker)
The Hall Family
Gotcha Day - November 4, 2023
ucker is doing very well. He’s been with us for two years now and has really settled in here. He is very goofy and also a sweet and snuggly guy, fitting into tiny spaces to get the best spot on the couch or bed. He’s a very playful boy - sometimes a “bull in a china shop” with his helicopter tail - who loves toys and playing with his ball. He’s known to inject himself into our mini stick games, stealing the ball and running back to his bed. He looks up to greyhound brother Grad (Amf Speed Ticket, Class of 2020) for leadership. They have a great bond now and don’t mind if legs overlap or a head is rested on the other when napping near each other. He met lots of family members this summer and enjoyed being social and getting pets from new people. Tucker is a very fun and spunky guy.
Mae (Mae)
The Whittaker Family
Gotcha Day - November 9, 2023
Mae Day, or Mae-Mae, or one of her many various nick names has enjoyed her first year settling into her new home. Her favourite human word is ‘treat’ and we are pretty sure she can hear it from a mile away, even if just a whisper.
During the summer she was brave enough to wear her life jacket and board a boat. She learned to swim and figured out how glorious it is to dig a sand hole and take a nap in it. She loves long walks through the woods, and always stops to smell the roses (or maybe animal pee!) Mae loves when dog beds are stacked on top of dog beds to make a cozy nest fit for a boney greyhound, and if her kids pass by she will give them the ‘eyes’, which means ‘please tuck me in’. To which they will lay a soft blanket over her and princess mode is complete for another perfect nap. Mae does not like rain, and can’t figure out why her humans won’t turn off the ‘rain machine’ when she needs to go out for a pee. She does however like snow, and finds in a perfect reason for a couple zoomies around the yard. Mae loves a good game of tug-of-war and can destuff a toy rather quickly, with zero interest in cleaning up her fluffy mess after. We LOVE our greyhound Mae, and we know she loves us too. If we ever need a reminder, all we need to do is leave out the front door for 1 minute and then return. No one does greeting committee better than Mae-Mae! She will put on a full show of licks, aggressive tail whips, and dances around in circles as if she has missed us for years. Something we have learned is to never open the back hatch of the vehicle while Mae is outside - unless you intent to take her along. Mae’s most favourite thing is a car ride, and least favourite thing is getting left behind. Luckily Mae is a dream travel companion who sleeps patiently on long drives and only farts occasionally. Mae has an adventurous spirit, beautiful soft fur, and an appetite for life. We will continue to cherish our time with her and are thankful every day that Gillian’s Greyhounds paired our family with this sweet sweet soul of a dog! Thank you!
Clara (Clara)
The Cornett Family
Gotcha Day - December 2, 2023
Clara is doing wonderfully! She has breathed new life into her older brother and they regularly throw their stuffies around the living room and do zoomies in the backyard together.
Mac (Chasing Ralph)
The Biernaski Family
Gotcha Day - December 16, 2023
Mac has settled into country living even better than we expected. His days are spent keeping tabs on his work-from-home human (ahem, velcro dog) and finding the perfect spot on the couch for napping. He has come so far with his outdoor cat friends. He's gone from thinking they are dinner to supervised nose boops. There's still a long way to go, but we are thrilled that he can walk past them now without getting in "the zone".
He's crazy for car rides, treats and his soccer ball. We can't imagine our lives without him