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Adopted Ipswich specialist a big softy at home

10 June 2022

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By Darren Cartwright

Passing Nova’s nature as a placid and adoring adopted family pet completely belies his prolific racing career that included more than 80 starts in two years.

Now known as Sam, pet lover Paris Hooper says he’s a “morning” dog who is content doing as little as possible during the day.

“He’s very excited in the morning and has a lot of energy and loves to go for a walk, but during the day, if we are not doing anything, he is happy not doing anything either,” Paris said.

Sam was rehomed with Paris through the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP), a month ago, after his profile was matched with her ideal pet.

The art of matching greyhounds up for adoption is somewhat of a mystery to Paris, but she’s not complaining.

She couldn’t be happier with Sam who is the centre of attention in the household.

“I was called within two days of making the application, and they said they had a dog they had matched me with, ‘did I want to meet him?’," she explained.

“Within two or three weeks of putting the application in, I had a dog.

“I don’t know how much science there is, but it worked out for me.

"He is so placid, so cuddly and friendly."

Adopting a greyhound from GAP was a carefully thought-out process for Paris.

Having recently moved to a new home and wanting a dog, she researched breeds that would best suit her and her partner’s lifestyle.

Paris’s brother and his girlfriend also live with them.

“We looked at temperaments of breeds that would suit our family, and we thought a greyhound would be really suitable,” she said.

“They are low maintenance, and they are such a good breed, and now that I have one, they are great.

“He doesn’t eat heaps, but he eats all of his food in a minute.”

From 81 starts, Passing Nova won five races, all at Ipswich, and he was placed another 23 times.

Under the GAP scheme, he was re-trained for his new life as a pet with the kennel name of Sam, that Paris retained.

Every greyhound that graduates through GAP is health checked and behaviourally assessed, de-sexed, wormed, and vaccinated.

Rehomed GAP greyhounds are identified by their distinct green collar which allows them to walk the streets without a muzzle.

“I was surprised how timid and so shy he was,” Paris said.

“When there are new experiences, instead of being angry or upset, he just recoils into himself and is very cautious.

“He’s fine left alone at home, but he loves human company more than animal company, although he hasn’t spent lots of time with other dogs either.”

Races

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Ipswich | Ipswich Greyhound Racing Club | 6:35 PM

WWW.IPSWICHGREYHOUNDS.COM