Retired greyhounds make fast friends

You've seen them on the track, now you can own one as a pet.

Retired racing greyhounds will be on show in Rotorua on Friday near the City Focus, as part of the Greyhounds As Pets street appeal.

Greyhounds as Pets (GAP) look to find homes for greyhounds who no longer race.

GAP programme director Jacqui Eyley said sadly they had not re-homed many greyhounds in the Rotorua area.

"They make ideal pets for people who work. "As long as they get a good 20 minute walk they're happy to settle down and snooze away the rest of the day.

"They're gentle, affectionate and loyal - the perfect pet," she said.

On Friday, from 10am to 2pm, there will be people in town showing off their greyhounds, collecting donations and giving out information for people who might want to adopt.

After meeting a greyhound, interested people are encouraged to go to www.greyhoundsaspets.org.nz to apply for adoption.

The GAP team then match a greyhound with the person or family and begin the adoption process.

Greyhounds as Pets also helps greyhounds transition from a racing dog to a pet by running full health checks, doing temperament testing and fostering.

"Caring for the dogs and getting them de-sexed and ready for their new homes is expensive but they're well worth it" Eyley said.

"You can support these deserving dogs by making a donation on the day or online ... and if you're looking to get a dog, why not come down and meet some greyhounds."

Donations can also be made through the Givealittle website www.givealittle.co.nz/org/gap.

GAP currently have two kennels in Palmerston North and Christchurch.