Why Foster: Interviews From GAPWA Foster Carers
Fostering a greyhound sounds like a huge step but most foster humans find it’s far simpler than they ever imagined.
You don’t need a big backyard or special training, just a bit of routine and a willingness to welcome a gentle hound into your space. In return you get a sweet and easygoing companion who settles into home life with surprising ease.
To understand the experience from the people who know it best we asked a few of our foster carers to share the highlights, surprises and rewards of opening their home to a greyhound.
Why did you start fostering?
Many of our foster carers begin as they are missing the presence of paws in their home but are unable to commit to the long term cost and time of furry family member.
“After our 12 yr old greyhound passed away our house felt very empty. She had been with us for 10yrs. As a retired couple we hope to do some traveling and thought that instead of getting another dog straight away we could foster.” – Graeme
“We were really missing the presence of our late dog, Kingston… I wasn’t quite ready for the long-term commitment of owning another dog yet, but my husband was really keen to have a dog again for companionship. Fostering felt like the perfect solution!” – Michelle
“I always loved dogs and my family in Germany has a couple, but because I’m still not a resident here, getting my own wasn’t an option. (signing up was) one of the best decisions!” – Tabea
Brooke felt a calling to ease the transition from racing to pet life, “I could make a difference to their lives by giving them a foster home after racing and letting them adjust and decompress.”
How has fostering fitted into your life?
The foster carers we asked remarked that fostering blended into their lives easier than they expected.
“Fostering has not really made any difference to our daily life… All 3 of our fosters have been very good” – Graeme
“Fostering has fitted into our everyday life quite seamlessly. The first week can sometimes be a little challenging while you get to know the foster. But with a bit of patience and flexibility they settle in quickly. Greyhounds are such wonderful dogs and they really don’t take much to guide and train.” – Michelle
“Fostering a Greyhound hasn’t required any big adjustments for me. We had 5 so far, and they all found their way into our hearts quickly. They’re so easy going for a dog, if you give them a safe space, they’ll become your best companion quickly.” – Tabea
“Fostering a greyhound was a rather easy adjustment as they are quiet and calm dogs… it’s important to have patience and go slow with them so they don’t get overwhelmed.” – Brooke
What Was The Biggest Surprises About Fostering?
Nearly every carer shared the same surprise, how quickly greyhounds adjust and how affectionate they are.
“The biggest surprise has been just how easygoing and chilled the breed is. I also love seeing the transformation in them. If you compare their first week to their fourth week, the difference can be incredible” – Michelle
“How easy going they are really surprised me and how quickly they can adjust if you give them the space and patience. They wanna sleep a lot, have their crazy moments and just wanna chill with you.” – Tabea
“What surprised me was how resilient these dogs are, they love nothing more than a comfy bed, a place to roach, and cuddles. I was surprised by how affectionate these dogs are once they trust you” – Brooke
Graeme discovered something unexpected about himself “I am surprised at how easy I have found it not to adopt them … It was amazing how good I felt when I heard Lady (Graeme’s third foster) was adopted the day I returned her to GAP”
Do You Have A Favourite Foster Moment?
“I don’t think I have one single favourite moment because every foster has their own unique personality. We’ve had so many great moments – from sneaky food theft (like a baguette disappearing from the kitchen counter), to uncontrollable zoomies, to the excitement they show for walks or dinner time… the moments I love most are the simple ones — the cuddles, the pats, and just having them around the house.” – Michelle
“My favourite moment would be with Gerbil, he was the shyest we had. It would take him days to trust us… when he realised how much fun it was to be around us he’d come running. He got adopted from a woman in the neighbourhood, and still today whenever Gerbil sees me in the streets he’s get super excited and joyful!” – Tabea
“My favourite moment would be seeing my eldest son (7) fall in love with the breed, he had show and tell at school and printed a photo of our first foster eclipse and explained his experience with fostering and how it helps.” – Brooke
What Advice Do you Have For Anyone Thinking Of Fostering?
Our foster carers were unanimous in their message: give it a go.
“Just try it and see if it works for you.” – Graeme
“I would say, go for it! There really is nothing to lose in fostering these beautiful dogs. The support from GAP has been amazing — they’re always there to answer any questions and guide you along the way.” – Michelle
“you’ll never know, if you never try. You’ll be a part of something important” – Tabea
“Go for it! GAP have been so supportive and they provide education, food, a bed if needed and routine wellness”– Brooke
Fostering is easier than most people think and it makes an incredible difference to a greyhound’s life.
If you’d like to learn more, ask about the process, or put in an application, we’re always here to help. Reach out to GAPWA any time, your love and home could be exactly what a hound needs.
