More than 60 retired greyhounds have experienced the comforts of a temporary home and the special connection of a foster family since the Greyhound Adoption Program Queensland (GAP QLD), launched its Host a Hound program.
And for 13 of these retired racing athletes, their foster stay became something more permanent when their families realised they simply couldn’t imagine life without their new four-legged family member – and adopted them.
Millie was one of those lucky greyhounds.
Maree Cumming, from Robina, first met Millie after being matched with her through one of GAP’s Host a Hound foster programs, hers in March for National Greyhound Adoption Month.
What began as a short-term foster stay quickly became something much more special.
Within just a few weeks, Maree realised her home was missing an important piece – a greyhound to share her life with.
"I love Millie so much; she has brought so much joy into my home,” said Maree.
“I decided to apply to foster as I was interested in adopting a greyhound and thought it would be a good way to ease my way into it.
“I have seen so many changes in Millie since she first arrived.
"She is confident, has a quirky, cheeky nature and absolutely loves saying hello to everyone.
“The GAP QLD team was always willing to help with any questions I had, offering ongoing behaviour support.
"They were so knowledgeable and suggested different strategies I could use with Millie to help her settle in.
“It was a relief to have that support and to have someone continually checking in to see how Millie and I were going.
“I would recommend the Host a Hound foster program to anyone, it’s the best decision I ever made.”
Now in its fifth year, the GAP QLD Host a Hound for the Holidays program is seeking foster carers willing to open their hearts and homes to retired greyhounds in need of a temporary home this Christmas.
GAP’s Rehoming Manager Lisa Kohler said the success of the foster program peaked in 2025, and this year she hoped even more families would welcome a greyhound into their home over the upcoming December and January period.
“Christmas and the New Year can be a wonderful time to welcome a greyhound, particularly for families who have some extra time off work or school,” Ms Kohler said.
“It’s a chance to enjoy their company, introduce them to the comforts of home and give them the love and attention they deserve, while helping them take an important step towards finding their forever family.
“And who knows, you might just discover that life is a little more 'greyt’ with a greyhound in it!”
Clare Hedger, of Deagon, agrees.
Having always had a soft spot for greyhounds, Clare wanted to experience what life with a retired greyhound in her home would be like.
“We fell in love with Pop immediately,” said the Brisbane northsider.
“He was so quirky, smart and cuddly. His favourite things were his toys, car rides and chasing us around the yard.
“Fostering Pop made us realise how special it is to give a greyhound the chance to experience life in a home, and how much joy they can bring to yours in return.
“We had such a positive and supported experience that, once Pop was adopted and found his forever family, we decided to continue fostering and have recently welcomed Florrie into our home.”
Ms Kohler is encouraging South-East Queenslanders who have considered fostering or adopting to get involved with the Host a Hound for the Holidays program.
“Welcoming a retired greyhound into your home, even temporarily, can make a huge difference as they adjust to life beyond racing and take those first steps towards finding their forever home,” she said.
“Foster carers are fully supported throughout the experience. We provide everything they need, including food, bedding, a collar and lead, and veterinary care.
“And while fostering is only temporary, it can often lead to something much more permanent, with some carers falling in love with their greyhound and choosing to adopt them for just $100.”
The Host a Hound for the Holidays program will officially launch at GAP’s upcoming Open Day on Saturday 17 October at Churchable in the Lockyer Valley and will run through until Monday 30 November 2026.
“The Open Day is a great opportunity for the community to visit GAP’s kennel facilities near Atkinsons Dam, take a behind-the-scenes kennel tour, enjoy interactive greyhound and health chats, and learn more about how they can get involved in Host a Hound for the Holidays,” Ms Kohler said.
“Visitors will also have the chance to meet greyhounds looking for their forever homes, with all adoptions on the day receiving a free bag of dog food as an added bonus.”
Future foster families can find out more about the Host a Hound for the Holidays program, access application forms and register their attendance for the GAP Open Day via the GAP website: www.gapqld.com.au.
ENDS.
Last updated: 29 Sep 2026