Red, Dug, Jemma + Tom
How did Red come into your world?
Red came into my world in 2018 when I met him during Greyhound Behaviour Assessments at work. He was vivacious, sassy, boisterous and hilarious!
How would you describe his personality?
He has about 10 personalities but due to being the GAP Ambassador and becoming a bit of a 'celebrity', he is outgoing, a show-off, friendly, incredibly social and knows exactly what he wants. He learnt from a young age to bark for attention to get what he wants, and that has followed through his entire life, particularly now in palliative care, he tells us what he wants and when he wants it (this includes when he wants to toilet, go for a walk, have a steak, ice cream, or a head massage!)
What does he love to do the most?
Red loves to go out and on adventures! He loves getting out and meeting people and other dogs, getting attention and smelling all the new smells! He has been so lucky to go to so many cool and interesting locations that not many dogs get the privilege to do! He just loves life and has so much love to give the world, and has done so for his 7 years of retirement. He also wears little Red Booties and so he loves to trot around town, strutting his little booties for everyone!
If he could tell us all something about you, what would he say?
That Tom and I are complete weirdos who literally think we are their genetic parents.
What's everyday life like with your dogs by your side?
Special, entertaining and full of love. Red and Dug bring us joy every single day through affection, funny and quirky behaviours and entertainment. They love each other as well as us and their lives and it brings us joy to know we provided that for them. They bring us so much love and enjoyment, if we can do the same for them, we feel blessed. Now with Red on palliative care, we are cherishing every hour of everyday we get to stare at his beautiful face, watch him smile, provide him with joy and enrichment and just be in his presence. He has served the world so we are serving him every last day that he has with us.
How has having your dogs changed your life?
Red in particular has changed my life for the better. He has taught me patience, understanding, and independence. He has been by my side through so many obstacles as well as life events including meeting my fiancé, Tom, (who has become his fur-parent), buying our beautiful home and raising a 12-week-old greyhound puppy, Dug, who is now his little brother and lifetime best friend. Red has not only changed my life but has impacted all of the lives he has met along his journey. From the people he met during his racing career in both New South Wales and South Australia and then all throughout retirement.
