GREYHOUND owners from Inverloch, Wonthaggi and surrounding areas have formed a large walking group to share their passion for rescuing greyhounds.
Gippsland Greyhound Walkers share a common love for their dogs and meet weekly for shared walks and a catch-up coffee.
The on-leash walks can be through the Wonthaggi wetlands, Inverloch, Loch, Korumburra, Leongatha or Cape Paterson.
“We decide on the day,” said group convenor Sharon Kraehenbuehl.
“After our walk, we decide where our next walk will be.”
Averaging between twenty to thirty greyhounds on each walk, the greyhounds are often pets of visitors or people who have a holiday house in the area.
“We always finish with a coffee,” said Sharon.
Gippsland Greyhound Walkers are a diverse group, with different ages, backgrounds and experiences with greyhounds.
“Some walkers have one dog, some have four, some are new to greyhounds while others have owned many greyhounds.”
“It’s great for the dogs to be with their own kind.”
On the last Sunday in September, greyhound owners around the world will participate in a Great Global Greyhound Walk.
Sharon Kraehenbuehl says the Great Global Greyhound Walk is an annual dog-walking event bringing together greyhounds, lurchers and other sighthounds with their owners to raise awareness of the breed and show the public just what wonderful pets greyhounds can make.
Last year eleven thousand sighthounds walked together in four-hundred and fifty walks across thirty-six countries.
“It is not a political day,” said Sharon Kraehenbuehl.
“It is not about making noise about the racing industry but a day just to be together to enjoy these quirky kids.”
Greyhound enthusiasts Carolyn Handley and Glenda Conlan say greyhounds are very affectionate.
The walkers agree greyhounds are the most beautiful, gentle and kindest dogs.
“They love children.”
Dogs rescued from the racing industry undergo a home familiarisation program.
“It is often their first time in a car, first time with other breeds of dogs and first time sleeping on a couch.”
According to the Gippsland Walkers Group, it can take three months for a dog’s personality to emerge and twelve months for a greyhound to fully adjust.
“They love exercise,” said Sharon.
“But they also like sleeping on the couch,” agreed Carolyn and Glenda.
This year’s Great Global Greyhound Walk will be hosted at the Wonthaggi wetlands reserve on Sunday, September 29 followed by coffee at the State Coal Mine Café.
For more information about rescuing greyhounds go to Jakes Place, Toongabbie at petrescue.com.au/groups/12208/JakesPlace, Racing2Rehome at racing2rehome.org, or Greyt Greys Rescue at greytgreys.org.
