Class of 2025
2025: Celebrating Greyhounds, Community and Connection
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on a year filled with connection, teamwork, and countless wagging tails. From long hauls and first-time fosters to heartfelt Wellness Wednesday reflections, every effort this year has celebrated the greyhound’s journey from athlete to cherished companion.
Our network continued to grow, with placements across Canada and the United States supported by strong partnerships throughout the U.S. racing community. The “GGA Heads East” trip brought adopters and hounds together, proving that every kilometer is worth it when it ends with a soft bed and a happy home. GGA-GPA placed 15 greyhounds this year into amazing, loving, perfectly matched homes.
The Rainbow Bridge received five angels this year. Wellness Wednesday continued to provide space for thoughtful conversations about grief, resilience, and the lessons our dogs teach us about love and letting go.
Through education and outreach, we reinforced an important message: retired racing greyhounds don’t need to be rescued. They need to be respected. Every adoption honours their athletic past and celebrates their gentle, loyal nature.
To everyone who transported, fostered, donated, adopted, or shared a story this year — thank you. Your compassion and commitment made 2025 a meaningful year for GGA-GPA and for every greyhound who found a new beginning.
As we look ahead to 2026, our purpose remains the same: to honour the greyhound’s legacy, as athlete, companion, and educator, with every placement we make.
The GGA-GPA Family
To view all photos in the adoptee's gallery, tap the arrow on either side of the image.
Beckham (Beckham)
The Wilson Family
Gotcha Day - January 9, 2025
Bechkam was called to the Rainbow Bridge on August 24, 2025 after a tragic motor vehicle collision.
Swiddle (Ubx Swiddle)
The Renton Family
Gotcha Day - February 5, 2025
Swiddle is doing great! What a goofball - we adore him. He loves being touched by anyone and often approaches people on the street, positioning himself for maximum cuddles and petting.
With big brother Mitch, they have full command of the garden chasing squirrels and hanging out. He's also a big fan of the fireplace - during the Blue Jays' World Series run, we had trouble getting him to come up to bed after those long nights by the fire.
And Ajax loves his two younger greyhound brothers!
Syd (Knockaboul Syd)
The Mahipaul Family
Gotcha Day - February 8, 2025
Syd starts a typical day off by getting up at 6AM (we try to push him to 6:30AM if we can). He comes over to the bed and rubs his head all over the duvet and sniffs our heads and ears and eyes. If he is especially excited he likes to get his snout under the covers to touch his cold nose against our warm skin! After a walk he gets his food and then part of his kibble in his snuffling mat. Then he sleeps (preferably in front of the fireplace).
He keeps track of time of day by following one of us around the house and reminding us of his food and treat schedule(s). His favourite job is convincing one of us to settle so that he can roach and snooze close to us in one of his beds. He loves to inspect every open drawer and cabinet. He is fascinated by appliances that beep. Probably the BEST command for Syd is “back up” because Susan has been able to train him with that command to maneuver with and around her wheelchair. The second best command he has learned is “stop” because we have been able to teach him to freeze on the spot when he gets overly excited, reactive, and fixated.
Syd doesn’t chatter, but he makes little noises like yips, yelps, barks, and "AOUUUUUUUU" when he wants something or bumps into something. He startled our vet with a dramatic “aouuuuu” when she tried to check his ears. She lept backwards and held her hand to her heart saying “oh my!”. That’s our Syd!!
Syd comes across confident and self-assured and cuddly. But he is also very reactive, which can show itself in him collecting many things when we are not close by or he can’t get to us (pillows, shoes, backpacks, electronics, grocery bags, garbage pails, laundry, bedding - you get the trend here?). He paces around the house when he’s anxious and howls and cries to call us. His reactivity makes him a bit of a bully with other dogs but he’s learning to play nice. With the wildlife our goal has been to allow him to play and be outside without hurting himself. He fought and killed a racoon this summer which was traumatic for him and us!. Everyone was okay, Syd’s wounds healed, no rabies exposure for us, and perhaps Syd became a bit more reserved. He either is at a 0 or at a 10, there is no in between for our guy!
Sniffing play, scatter feeding, and chewing training strategies have been ways that we are able to connect with Syd over the last few months. Syd loves playing “go find it” outside and asks to play this game several times a day, even in snow where he then loves to do zoomies.
We are up for the task to provide Syd with the best retirement experience that we can. Everyone who has met Syd just loves him. He is a handsome stud! He loves to play with his squeaky balls outside. He cherishes his frozen treats that he can work on in the afternoons. He seeks closeness and interaction whenever he can. Syd works hard in his training, and loves it when we are proud of him; He keeps us young! And we’re excited to see what more we can learn from him and how to support Syd to feel content and happy with us.
Puddin (Cet Puddin Tame)
The Cicuta Family
Gotcha Day - April 5, 2025
Climber (Sr Climber)
The Molner & Pannell Family
Gotcha Day - April 18, 2025
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Duece (Duece)
The Julien & Laflèche Family
Gotcha Day - May 5, 2025
Zoomer (Vj Back Off)
The Roberts & Dougan Family
Gotcha Day - May 17, 2025
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, Rainbow Bridge 2024). We saw Connie (CET Dirty Connie, Class of 2024), 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!
Beans (Demon Award)
The Doppler Family
Gotcha Day - May 17, 2025
Saddles (Apache Fury)
The Smith & Simenac Family
Gotcha Day - May 18, 2025
With Nemo's (Me No Care, Rainbow Bridge March 2025) passing, our home was quiet and was missing that energy that only a greyhound can bring. As many of you know...in March (just days after Nemo's passing) Saddles suffered life threatening injuries while in foster care. We followed his recovery closely and were marveled by his spirit. We were unsure if we were ready to adopt again and ventured out to visit him when it was apparent he may be ready for adoption. What started out as just a meet and greet, resulted in Saddles coming home with us. We can share that his wound has completely healed, just a small bald spot! He's a bit anxious on the lead, but he's becoming more confident each and every day. He's extremely affectionate and has been an absolute sweetheart. We often think Angel Nemo chose and sent us Saddles to help mend our broken heart.
Zorro (Xb Never A Doubt)
The Raddie Family
Gotcha Day - May 20, 2025
Salty (Salty Dog)
The B ailey Family
Gotcha Day - May 31, 2025
This year saw a big change in our household, the addition of Salty. Tack has adjusted quite well, although there are some side eye moments when Salty lets loose with some puppy like energy. Salty fit right into our routine from day one like a champ!
We took the two hounds for a dip in the river this summer, we were pretty sure Salty would love it (he did!!) and were very pleasantly surprised that Tack loved it as well - there are plans next summer to enjoy some of Lake Huron’s beaches as well!
The children are getting older and have now taken full responsibility for morning and afternoon walks with the dogs. As well as feeding them breakfast and dinner through the week.
With the two dogs our house feels complete. The jump from one greyhound to two was definitely the right decision for our family!
Lilu (Lilu)
The Sereda Family
Gotcha Day - June 23, 2025
Fast (Kimo Turbo)
The Black Family
Gotcha Day - August 10, 2025
Chesky (Steeple Rd Barry)
The Lee Family
Gotcha Day - August 24, 2025
Back in 2020, during the early days of COVID, our adoption group received an email about a greyhound in need of serious behavioural rehabilitation. That greyhound was Chesky — known on the track as Steeple Rd Barry. After a short racing career in Ireland, he flew to northern Alberta’s off-track racing community. He was eventually placed with a couple, but his leash reactivity escalated to the point they were wrapping his leash around a tree when another dog appeared, and he began to space guard as well.Chesky entered our foster program and started rehab boot camp. And let me tell you — he taught me a LOT. He was a great teacher, offering plenty of “examples” for me to learn from, and I’ve since used our videos in presentations, speaking events, and with behavioural clients. At his core, Chesky didn’t want to make decisions. He wanted clear expectations, leadership, and support. When he had them, he flourished — walking calmly past other dogs, unfazed even in the middle of chaos. He graduated boot camp ready to be considered for adoption.I knew placing Chesky wouldn’t be easy. His adopter would need to follow through with leadership and structure, and have real experience with extinguished leash reactivity. I tried — but I could only go on what people said they knew and could do.Each time Chesky was returned, it was as if a sigh of relief washed over him when he stepped back into GGA-GPA HQ. After one leash correction, he’d see Jaysus and settle right back into the beautiful, balanced walks I knew he was capable of. He melted into my pack — through all its different iterations over the last five years — embracing the structure of our days and becoming the sweet, obedient, well-mannered “Chesky-Besky.” But. I didn’t need another greyhound. And there were always applications from people who said they could handle him. Still, in the back of my mind, I kept the promise to myself that Chesky would always have a safe spot here if he needed it. When I applied for galgos Junco, my mind reminded me I was giving up Chesky’s spot.
Like Angel Wally and Angel Utopia before him, Chesky was returned three times — each time with a bite history in placement.
And now, after celebrating his 10th birthday, Chesky has found his way — right where he needed to be all along.
Noah (Bold Noah)
The Bird & Cosway Family
Gotcha Day - August 29, 2025
This year has been one of change and healing for our little pack at the GGA Ajax chapter.
We said goodbye to our beloved Finn (Pj Super Silver, Class of 2020) in February, just shy of his 13th birthday. We miss his sandbox antics, his boundless enthusiasm for walks, and the joy he brought to us every day. His spirit is still very much a part of our hearts and home.
Peppermint (CBJ Peppermint, Camp Greyhound Adoption Program) has continued to be our steady and loyal companion — the calm in the storm. Through all the transitions this year, he’s been a source of comfort for everyone, especially while one of his fur mamas recovered from major surgery and his other fur mama cared for her! He was by her side full time, only leaving for meals and walks.
And then there’s Noah, the newest member of the family, who joined us in late August. With his youthful energy, playful spirit (stuffie obsession), and endless sweetness, he’s been the perfect addition. We’re having so much fun getting to know him and can’t wait to see what adventures the new year will bring with him by our side.
We loved hosting some of the GGA family including Grad, Tucker, Fiesty, Clark, and Percy for their pawcations this year. Always nice to welcome back hounds and to catch up with their humans to hear how everyone is doing! Here’s to wagging tails, warm hearts, and a bright year ahead.
Tiger (Rico's Dreamer)
The Hume & Camilucci Family
Gotcha Day - September 6, 2025
Cheeky (Homebush Cheeky)
The Holmer Family
Gotcha Day - September 15, 2025
Cheeky continues to settle into her new pack. Her personality is shining through and she lives up to her name! haha. Cheeky has been making friends with all the dogs and all the humans in the neighbourhood, and especially loves checking in on the outdoor cats, two streets over.
Cheeky and Peach are also learning each others' play cues and styles, in the backyard together, which we're delighted about (it took them a few weeks, as Cheeky just didn't seem to quite get Peach's cues - haha). We've also been enjoying the beautiful Hamilton trails in the fall, taking full advantage of the lovely weather.
Overall, we're delighted with her. She loves a good cuddle, exudes confidence, she's bold, and super friendly with every person and every pooch she meets.
My Lady (Ww La Melaza)
The Kustra Family
Gotcha Day - October 12, 2025
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