Dougie’s a real winner at home

By Callan Date
A NARRE Warren South girl had penned a poem about her favourite pet pooch.
Lauren Walter wrote the touching words about Dougie – a seven-year-old greyhound that is winning more hearts as a pet than when he raced around the track with seven other dishlickers.
The Walter family can’t speak highly enough of the dog they received as part of the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP).
Dougie, who raced as Nermal and won only one of his 16 starts, has brought many a smile to the family.
Lauren’s mother, Cassie Walter, said she would encourage anyone looking for a pet to welcome a greyhound into the family.
“He is an absolute gem. He is the perfect pet,” Ms Walter said.
“He is just so beautiful. He is fantastic with the kids. He is placid and he can curl up on his bed and you wouldn’t even know he was there.”
Dougie is one of 2200 greyhounds that have been adopted into Victorian families since the GAP began in 1996.
Ms Walter said the family took Dougie for a walk about three times a week, which was ample for a greyhound.
And as for the budding Strathaird Primary School poet who made headlines with her poem.
“We take Lauren and Matthew to Sandown to watch the greyhound races during the school holidays and they love it,” Ms Walter said.
To find out more about greyhounds as pets visit www.grv.org.au/adoption or call 5799 2909.
If you can’t commit long-term, there is the option of becoming a short-term foster carer where food and support is provided.