Retired greyhounds loving the beach life

By Jordan Gerrans

On a quiet morning on the beaches of Macleay Island, retired chasers Titan Rhea and Miracles Mate are roaming around with their new owner Christine Paterson.

Paterson, who is in her early 70s, likes to get up early in the morning before most of the world rises to take her beloved greyhounds for a trip down to the beach.

Titan Rhea and Miracles Mate did their racing with Burpengary trainer Brian Baker before retiring in late 2024.

In retirement, they are known as Charlie (Miracles Mate) and Rhea (Titan Rhea).

They have found a perfect home at Macleay Island, which is an island in Moreton Bay.

“I walk them down the beach, but I'm not far from the dog park,” Paterson said.

“The dog park's very close, only like one block away. So, I run them on the dog park, but I don't run them on the beach, they just walk there.

“They're both good dogs. They've both got great personalities. They're very different to each other personality wise. They're great dogs.”

Titan Rhea and Miracles Mate were top chasers for veteran trainer Baker before their eventual retirement.

They combined to win 21 races with the majority of their success coming at Albion Park and Ipswich.

Burpengary dog man Baker regularly keeps in contact with his former chaser's new owner and says he is glad they are enjoying their retirement days by the seaside.

Paterson has had different breeds of dogs throughout her life but after welcoming a couple of greyhounds into her home, she was surprised with just how gentle they were as animals.

“They've been wonderful,” she said.

“I've had dogs all my life, all different types of breeds.

“I was very surprised because Charlie, he's a really big dog and weighs 50 kilograms now.

“He's very gentle. I've made sure both of them are very confident. I wanted to instil that in them because that's important. 

“They've both got their own personalities as animals always do that.

“I couldn't complain. They're two beautiful dogs.”

Before welcoming Titan Rhea and Miracles Mate into her home, Paterson noticed a glut of greyhounds around her local area, which sparked her interest in the breed.

She has lived on Macleay Island for a touch over a decade.

“I'd already been considering getting a greyhound as a couple of people on my island, or more than a couple now, have retired greyhounds,” she said.

“And, I saw a couple of them and I thought, I've never had a greyhound and they need a home.

“There are people with greyhounds on Macleay Island, but I think I am the only one with two dogs. It was well worth it getting these dogs.”

Racing Queensland’s Greyhound Welfare Coordinator Nicola Hardman applauded Titan Rhea and Miracles Mate’s rehoming to Macleay Island with Paterson.

“The two dogs have gone to a home and are providing great comfort,” Hardman said. 

“Greyhounds are great companions. Brian Baker deserves credit as well for rehoming his former chasers and it all has worked out perfectly.”