Class of 2024
2024: A Year of Growth, Community, and Unwavering Support
As the year unfolds, we are thrilled to celebrate the incredible graduating class of 2024—our beloved retired racing greyhounds! These remarkable athletes have completed their successful careers on the track, showcasing their speed, agility, and heart, and now they’re ready to embark on their next chapter as cherished companions.
Each greyhound in the Class of 2024 represents dedication, resilience, and the special bond shared by the greyhound racing and adoption communities. With wagging tails and curious eyes, they are stepping into homes where they will continue to bring joy, love, and laughter to those lucky enough to welcome them. This milestone is not just about the greyhounds but also the incredible teams behind them—the trainers, kennel staff, foster families, and adopters—whose dedication makes this transition seamless and full of love. These dogs leave a legacy of excellence on the track and carry forward a future filled with snuggles, zoomies, and endless love.
We were proud to deepen our collaborations with adoption groups and racing professionals worldwide, including Make Peace With Animals and Greyhound Pets of America - Massachusetts. These partnerships ensured that every greyhound in our program had the best transition possible - from the track to foster care and, ultimately, to their forever homes.
Thank you for providing these retired athletes with the next chapter of their journey. Your homes offer a well-deserved place of comfort after their successful careers on the track. We are proud to see these greyhounds transition from racing champions to cherished family members. We are thrilled to watch them thrive in the next chapter of their lives. Your love and care ensure they continue to shine, proving that life after racing is just as rewarding. Thank you for making their post-racing lives as remarkable as their racing careers.
The GGA Family
To view all photos in the adoptee's gallery, tap the arrow on either side of the image.
Knee (Kb's Kee Deep)
The Staples Family
Gotcha Day - January 17, 2024
Knee has settled in very nicely over the past 11 months. He's turned out to be a very kind and gentle soul. He’s officially a part of the staff of Barrkhaven and he’s even had a modelling gig with Chilly Dogs! We look forward to many more years with him.
(Leash and collar edited out of fashion shoot photos)
Alpha (Disgruntled)
The Gimpoli Family
Gotcha Day - February 1, 2024
It has been a big first year in retirement for both me and Alpha. After losing my Angel Winston (Ww Gothika, GGA Class of 2021) in November 2023, I wanted to take things slow with bringing home a new retiree, and GGA helped me by finding the perfect foster to try things out. Alpha helped heal hearts for me and my family, and fit in perfectly. We made the adoption official in February 2024. Shortly after, I enrolled Alpha in his 8-week beginner obedience class. Just like Winston, the class voted him most improved! I think mostly because he threw a bit of a temper tantrum about sitting early on (the greyhound scream is very dramatic). Since then, he's had a happy and fun-loving retirement filled with lots of treats, toys, and of course some fabulous roaching. In September, we made a big change, and moved from small town Sudbury to big city Toronto. Alpha adapted without a hitch! To him, a city is just a place with lots more new friends to meet everyday. His confident good vibes attitude is unbothered by big city noises and crowds. Although not the smartest dog in the bunch (he has really earned the nickname Alphabet-Soup-For-Brains), Alpha thrives as the happiest dog in the room. I guess ignorance really is bliss! He has endless love to share, and I'm forever grateful to GGA for bringing us together. Looking forward to many more adventures in 2025!
Murphy (Cet Murphy)
The Dawe Family
Gotcha Day - February 9, 2024
Murphy … The boy we never realized we needed! We lost our last 2 greyhounds to the dreaded Osteo… Dave had watched and watched your videos of Murphy! (proof positive that your videos do appeal to ALL of us w greyhounds)! Murphy arrived at our house for an introduction with his lovely Foster Fam- but we all knew he was going to stay! And move in he did and it’s like we’ve always had him. Murphy lives with an evil cat, who still jumps out at him for fun… thankfully Murphy is the least aggressive creature God created! He’s sweet to the core. Loves his people, loves ALL people, loves the grandbaby most of all! He has a goofy personality, he loves a romp around the backyard and lives for 2 walks a day. He’s not demanding, he’s calm, loves his routine and toy plays. Likes other dogs but people are his jam. I’ve always been spoiled owning greyhounds (previously I owned Bostons my entire life so bit of a diff) - people will actually stop me and admire our dogs. But THIS guy is a supermodel! He has a white bone in the middle of his black back - like a tatt! Stunning. He loves sardines, doesn’t overeat, very gentle wee guy, and ya NOT a fan of his kennel. We roughed it out for a week as instructed but we had a palliative greyhound at the time and his ridiculous drama distressed her. So he’s a kennel fail on our end because you guys did the work. However it’s not separation anxiety, we can leave him at home and he’s fine no howling and is content. You can tell he’s only ever been well treated and known gentleness. I thank you for honouring us withthis treasure!
Geter (Cbt Coach Geter)
The Suderman Family
Gotcha Day - February 14, 2024
Man (Flomac Boy)
The Greenstein Family
Gotcha Day - February 17, 2024
Man, aka Flomac Boy, our Irish racer, is doing remarkably well at our home in Cookstown, Ontario, about a 45 minute drive north west of Toronto. It's been two years since his arrival with us, and he'll turn eight in January 2026. He's very handsome and looks absolutely stunning now in his winter coat. He's got that classic Greyhound long and lean frame; to watch him run when a safe opportunity presents itself is just breathtaking. It accounts for his respectable earnings during his working careerMan is great pals with our 10 year old female Grey, Peanut (AMJ Just Say NO) and has no problem with her being alpha around here. Both dogs eat together although Peanut precedes him to the trough. Man hasn't quite gotten over his fear of loud noises - perhaps as a result of too many years close to the starter's gun - and will head for an upstairs bedroom on short notice.We thank Gillian for her help and advice and commend her devotion to the breed.
Lilly (Gf St Kitts)
The Healey Family
Gotcha Day - February 17, 2024
This is our greyhound Lilly, also known as Billy, or Baby Bills. Her favourite hobby is lying on the couch or chasing her ball around in the yard. She’s such a sweet silly girl, we are so lucky to have her in our family! She loves her white blanket and her cat toy. The cat originally had a scarf, but over time she wiggled it down to the waist, now it’s a karate belt! Lilly’s favourite holiday is Christmas, when she proudly flashes around her stylish Christmas collar. Last Christmas she got a fresh pack of tennis balls from Santa, she ruined her other ones. As much as Lilly misses us when we travel, she absolutely loves staying with her grandparents! When she goes to Grandma and Grandpa’s she is spoiled - lying in the sun on her bed, getting fur everywhere and watching Grandma vacuum it up, lying on the couch watching television, doing what is known as the princess face. So I think Lilly is fine with her favourite grandparents. She likes to watch movies with us and go on walks before school, or a warm snuggle after running in the snow. We are so proud that she has gotten married to a handsome young poodle named Hugo, the foster dog of our grandparents. In August on her birthday she went on an outing downtown, showing off her birthday girl ribbon. Some of our favourite memories are: going on the neighbourhood easter egg hunt wearing her bunny ears, cheering for the Toronto Blue Jays every game night, and marrying her beloved husband Hugo. She also loves going to the park and seeing our friendly neighbour who carries treats. Lilly is living an awesome life with her family and friends. If there's one thing she’s doing right now, it’s probably snuggling with her family.
Lester (Yolo Lester)
The Stengel Family
Gotcha Day - February 24, 2024
Lester and his "brother" Marty (Flying Bullrider, GGA Class of 2023) are doing well and getting along very well too!
Rayray (Fgf Raylan)
The Hawkins Family
Gotcha Day - March 23, 2024
This last year Rayray has been busy. He was the on cover of this year's Downtown Windsor's Farmers Market calendar. He donates blood though Canadian Animal Blood Bank and is a member of Therapeutic Paws of Canada. Where he provides pet therapy at a seniors home. He hates the elevator that he needs to use.. But we are working on that. Hopefully, soon it will not bother him.
He donates blood a few times a year. Thank goodness he loves car rides. It is a two hour drive. He is doesn't even flinch when the needle goes in his neck and I can't even watch.
We continue to visit the Downtown farmers market, wineries and dog friendly patios. At the market, we has met some other greyhounds. Like Flying Mozzarella. His best friend is Morty, a bull mastiff. They get so excited when they see each other.
We have join a Romp and Roo. Where they are sometimes 10 greyhounds running around(with their muzzles on) inside a riding stable. This is where we met Saddles. Along with lots of other greys. It is so much fun to watch them running and playing together.
We are looking forward to see what the new year will bring.
Wishing everyone a Happy and Safe Holiday.
Brin (Brin)
The Martin Family
Gotcha Day - April 12, 2024
Brin is doing very well as the newest member of our family. She is very affectionate and playful and loves to be with her people whenever possible. She has slowly become accustomed to the horse, chickens, ducks, quails and rabbits who also live here. Her favourite activity is going for long walks through our forest property and saying hello to as many of our neighbours as possible when she ventures out on a super long walk around our farm neighbourhood.
Azza (Azza)
The Maxwell Family
Gotcha Day - May 4, 2024
Azza has officially become a Canadian citizen! Azza now lives with a brother named Harry (who is also a black greyhound) and spends his days running and chasing those pesky rabbits and squirrels out of his yard.
He loves his treats and is expert at hoarding all the yak chews and stuffies on his bed. It took Azza a little while to adapt to living with us and as he is young and extremely large, we needed to get him adjusted quickly, fortunately he is a smart boy, always eager to please and learns very fast
Azza is funny, kind and sweet and we feel that he is morphing into the best boy. We are really pleased to have had the opportunity to adopt Azza.
Heather (Ubx Start Over)
The Parrott & Tulk Family
Gotcha Day - July 21, 2024
We moved to a new house in March with a big yard for zoomies for Dagar (Mw'sDagar, GGA Classof 2021) and then in July we welcomed another hound, Heather into our family. Heather needed a greyhound housemate in her forever home and Dagar wanted a friend so it was a perfect match! Despite some initial timidness around loud noises (though in her defense, even I'm spooked by the sound of wood chippers sometimes) she settled in and has really come out of her shell. She's turned out to be quite the goofball, gathering all of her (and Dagar's) toys on her bed then lying on top of the pile like a dragon guarding its hoard. Dagar's loved having a friend to race in the backyard (they've carved an impressive dirt track in the grass) and both hounds have become quite the neighbourhood fashionistas in their matching collars and coats. We're all looking forward to a 2025 filled with zoomies, snoozing, and (in Heather's case) roaching.
Gabby (Bigtripletrouble)
The Rose Family
Gotcha Day - July 27, 2024
Gabby’s year has been an eventful one and I doubt I can include all the new-to-her adventures that have kept most of north-eastern Nova Scotia entertained, but here goes.
To begin, Gabby had a running accident after a deep heavy snowfall in late December of 2024 and ended up breaking a toe. Most other greyhounds would have been content to spend the long winter weeks of convalescence lounging on a soft bed in front of the wood stove, but not Gabby, so keeping her activity level down was challenging. With weekly trips to the animal hospital in Dartmouth for a dressing change and laser treatments, she formed a strong bond with her vet and all the technicians, and actually missed the long winter drives once February rolled around and she was pronounced well enough to go without the many layers of protection she had been forced to wear on her paw all winter. Poor Gabby spent eight weeks encased in thick dressing for her injury and was forced to wear a muzzle to keep her from tearing the dressing off. Outings were restricted to toileting only, on leash, and her injured paw had to be encased in a waterproof boot to keep the dressing dry. (below right) Happier Gabby - free at last.
In March I discovered that during her convalescence Gabby had forgotten all the obedience training we had worked on during the autumn months: - no jumping on people, no pulling on the leash, no peeing indoors - so we began driving into town three times a week for some in-store training. She LOVED the car rides, but the dog washing bay in Pet Valu? Not so much.
But it was all for a good cause because by the end of April Gabby was ready to undergo her first major challenge: the evaluation session in order to become a Saint John’s Ambulance therapy dog. To my joy (and amazement) she passed with flying colours, and as of May 1st she has been a regular weekly visitor at the local nursing home in Antigonish, an on-demand therapy dog for St. Francis Xavier University, and in late October she worked two shifts at the Maritime Helping the Helpers Conference, a one-day event that provides workshops and support for first responders. Gabby was, and continues to be a star, and I am so very proud of how far she’s come in such a short period of time. Here she is with one of the residents (and two staff members) of the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home in Antigonish. (picture taken with permission)
But Gabby is still Gabby, and if there is trouble to be found, she definitely lives up to her racing name, Big Triple Trouble. Case in point? Early autumn, on one of her weekly visits to the nursing home. My custom is to circle the main floor with her, stopping in to visit her ‘regulars’. But before going to the second floor we always go into the rear garden so that she can empty her bladder before getting on the elevator. On sunny days those residents who smoke are usually gathered around the ashtray, and every summer one of the custodians sets up a chicken coop at the rear of the garden so that residents whose past lives included farming can enjoy the soothing clucks of the hens. On this one overcast day, however, no residents were in the garden, and for some reason the custodian had decided to let the chickens out of their coop so they could roam the area. Unfortunately, no one posted a sign to indicate that the chickens were loose. Gabby saw one of the hens under an ornamental bush and quickly made her move, shaking that poor bird like a stuffie until I could get her to drop it. Fortunately the bird lived, minus quite a few down feathers, and the incident report that I had to file was evaluated by the head office of St. John’s Ambulance with good humour and she wasn’t removed from the program. But this is life with Gabby - there’s never a dull moment.
Gabby is a much-loved member of the family. She adores her big brother Richard and her big sister Queenie, and she is the ideal co-host of Rose Cottage Greyhound Retreat. I love her ebullient nature, her eagerness to please, and her positive energy. She makes every day an adventure and I wouldn’t want her to be any other way.
Barry (Buryyourbelief)
The Skelton Family
Gotcha Day - August 6, 2024
Barry has settled right in with our family. He spends his days wrestling and zooming with Kenzie (our Beagle mix), patrolling the yard for wildlife and napping in between. On his walks Barry loves stopping to let his many admirers shower him with attention. In the evenings he likes to nap in front of the television and has even started snuggling with Momma on his bed. We love his sweet soulful personality and watching him learn that he can be goofy too.
Launch (Hashtag Launcher)
The Hunter Family
Gotcha Day - August 10, 2024
Vicky (Longhur Vic)
The Smith Family
Gotcha Day - August 16, 2024
Miss Vicky has been settling well into her new home over the past 2 months and is an absolute joy. All the neighbours love her, but then, who wouldn’t? She’s such a pretty Irish lass. She loves her long walks exploring the neighbourhood and is working hard to leave those pesky squirrels, bunnies and stinky black and white kitties alone! When she is not out walking, she is making sure her toy box is kept empty, sunbathing, or begging for tummy rubbies! Such a good girlie ….
Zak (Vj Draco)
The Barker Family
Gotcha Day - September 21, 2024
My name is Zak Barker. I have a small following on FB if anyone is interested. We’ve made a lot of new friends the last year I’ve been home. Unfortunately we’ve lost some, but my humom has bonded with some special other two leggers in the process.
I love bananas, cream cheese, and crunchy apples (we don’t get those too often because mumma is super allergic to them). I have a steady girlfren who I get to walk with every day. Her name is Bridget, she’s a white and tan cow dog greyt.
I’m doing much better by myself at home while my slave goes to work to fund my lifestyle. I’m looking forward to spring meet in Kansas! I’ve gotten very very spunky, I like to knit and boop humom on the butt and the hands, and throw my entire body into her legs in what she calls the ‘side winder’. I tried my paw at the couch but I still prefer my bed.
I also love outfits and pajamas!
Star (Selinas Oscar)
The Larson Family
Gotcha Day - November 1, 2024
Maria (Vj Scandalous)
The Ramsay Family
Gotcha Day - November 11, 2024
I love her. 
She is my best friend.
Shelby (Cbt Shelby Wynz)
The Campagna & Pappas Family
Gotcha Day - December 1, 2024
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Connie (Cet Dirty Connie)
The Roberts & Dougan Family
Gotcha Day - December 5, 2024
November 2024 left us with a large hole in our hearts and home due to the unexpected passing of our retired racing greyhound, Class (Asset Class). We saw Connie (CET Dirty Connie), a small, brindle female on the GGA website. It had been a long time since we adopted a female and it seemed like the right time to do so. With the help of Gillian, transport was arranged and Connie came to Alberta to become a part of our family.
She's a very affectionate young girl with a big personality who has something to say about everything! Her favorite pastimes are playing with every toy available, zooming around in the backyard, and taking long walks in the coulees and green spaces. She settled in very quickly. But, even though Connie had no trouble amusing herself, we felt that
she'd enjoy the company of another greyhound and, truthfully, so would we. We've usually had 2 or 3 greyhounds and it felt odd to have just one. In June 2025, we contacted GGA and Zoomer (VJ Back Off) was on his way to us, thanks to Gillian and her ability to find amazing transport for him.
Zoomer couldn't be more different from Connie. He's a big, black boy, quiet, and low key. A perfect match! While Connie loves racing around in the yard, Zoomer is more likely to be digging a hole to create the perfect sleeping spot. Where Connie plays with every toy, Zoomer is much more selective. He chooses a toy carefully, plays with it then, with his ears up and wagging his tail, he holds it in his mouth to show us just what a clever lad he is.
He loves his walks as well. Now that they both understand that chasing wild rabbits is not allowed, especially since I am on the other end of the leash and don't want to be taken for a ride again - an experience I'd rather not repeat- we are able to explore many new areas.
About the only thing they don't like is rain and they are both in agreement about that!
Two wonderful dogs that give us so much happiness. We couldn't love them more. Thanks so much to Gillian and GGA!