At GAP we like to recognise the terrific support and assistance of well deserving people and our GAP Foster Carers often fall squarely into that category. Wayne Coombs is one such well deserving GAP Champion. Wayne first contacted GAP after adopting a greyhound from the RSPCA back in 2005 and within months was firmly a part of the larger GAP family, volunteering for events, fostering and generally doing all he could to help out in so many ways.

His gorgeous hound Phoebe is now about to turn 10 and she has assisted so many greyhounds along their fostering journey that she is truly an old hand at it now. Wayne has been a regular sight at the Perth Royal Show, the Million Paws Walk, the GAP Race nights and in fact almost every GAP event we have had over the last 5 years. His house has offered a revolving door for foster dogs and he has driven here, there and everywhere to pick dogs up; drop dogs off; go to vets and just help out.

We just wanted to say a huge thanks for your efforts over the years Wayne, and also to Phoebe, for their never ending patience and assistance. You're GAP Champions!

Happy Birthday Phoebe!

The GAP greyhounds will be heading to Greyhounds WA Mandurah to be showcased as part of the evening's Puppy Club race meeting on Friday 9th April. In addition to the wonderful slurpy kisses and hugs that you'll be able to get from the GAP Greyhounds, there will be plenty of children's entertainment and activities and the Make A Wish Foundation will also be there to make it a school holiday event not to be missed.

As a special thankyou for all you wonderful GAP people we have managed to secure a 20% discount on the buffet in Chasers Restaurant.

To make a booking you will need to call Megan on 9581 7188 and tell her you're with GAP. We'll see you there!

Come and check out these new products just arrived at Dog Kingdom.

Decals
3 fabulous new Greyhound design decals to stick on your car window, trailer, house or anywhere! One of these on your car is bound to get lots of attention.

Soggy Dog Towels
Check out these unique towels designed for dogs, other on line stores sell these for between $36 - $62, buy one at Dog Kingdom for only $26!

Martingale Collars
New designs and previous favourites have arrived, these collars sell quickly and we cannot guarantee we can stock the same designs again, don't miss out on your favourite.

Phone Charms and Beaded Book Marks
Stunning new designs have arrived, various colours and beads, these one's are even better than the last.

Books

The 14th Annual RSPCA Million Paws Walk is being held Western Australia on Sunday 16 May 2010 and is the big day out for animal lovers! Whether you have pets in your family or not, you're invited to join the pack and walk with tens of thousands of people and pets throughout Australia to help raise vital funds for the RSPCA and the animals in their care.

This year the RSPCA is doggedly determined to break the million dollar and million paws barrier and we need your help! So slip on your walking shoes, grab your two or four legged friends and have a fun day out at Australia's premiere pet event!

To enter as part of the Greyhounds As Pets team, please go to the Million Paws Walk Website and select the team registration : "Greyhounds As Pets".

As part of the ongoing partnership with Polytechnic West (formerly Swan TAFE) we have two of our new foster dogs head off to the Centre for Animal Studies each term to assist the Vet Nurse and Companion Animal Services Students in their general handling skills, consultation observations and provide grooming practice.

For GAP it is a great way to have a couple of foster dogs receive a lot of gentle and loving handling that can be particularly helpful with some of the more shy dogs in increasing their confidence around more people.

This semester's pair are a brother and sister team - Tess and Toby.

They both raced and finished their careers at similar times, had been listed on the GAP waitlist by their respective owners and by coincidence were ready to enter GAP at the same time. Toby is a lovely fawn fellow and has had the students in stitches with his love of lying in his clam shell full of water. Tess is smaller and brindle and the quieter more shy one of the two but she has benefited from the patience of the students in their handling and is now becoming far more confident.

Polytechnic West offers limited veterinary clinic services during Term 2,3 and 4 including vaccinations, dentals and general consults. If you live in the Bentley area, why not consider taking your dog along for the excellent care and attention that the Centre for Animal Studies provides. Visit them online at Polytechnic West.

We are now accepting photo submissions for the 2011 calendar.

This year GAP WA will again take it's turn to coordinate an ever better 2011 National GAP Calendar for Australia so dust off the camera and start clicking. Submissions from all states will need to be received by Friday 25 June 2010.

Please refer to the following guidelines for submitting your photos.

Naming: Your photos must be individually labelled with your name and your dog's name.

1. Digital photos
It is important to have a clear reference of the Dog/s name and the Adopter/s name.
When saving files to disk rename the file in the following format: DogName_OwnerName_.jpeg
Make sure each photo on the disk is named along with the disk itself.

2. Printed Photos
Please write Dog/s name and Adopter/s name clearly on the back of each photo.
If more than one greyhound is in the submitted photos, clearly state the name of each greyhound and their colour.

Please post your photos to:
GAP Calendar Photos
PO Box 6
Cannington WA 6987

Or email them to Tammara or Kerry.

Remember to follow the naming guidelines so that we can ensure your dog is correctly identified if your pictures are selected. Please note, any photos submitted for use in the calendar may be used by GAP for promotional purposes and therefore your permission for publication is assumed by the act of submitting your photos. If you do not wish to have your photos used for further promotional purposes please notify GAP staff at the time of submission.