By Darren Cartwright
Sideshow alley or a superb main arena act can be something Ekka patrons can savour, yet for a young couple, the Greyhound Adoption Program stand made an impression.
Steve and Jess Butcher (pictured) now have the “perfect” pet after adopting a greyhound, that never made it to the track but has made it into their hearts.
Before adopting Freddie, who had the racing name El Caliente, the couple had visited the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) stand at the Ekka.
Their interaction with greyhounds and handlers reinforced Steve’s desire to adopt a former chaser.
“When we would go to the Ekka, GAP would have a stall and that was when I first decided that, when I was in a position to get one, I would,” Steve said.
Before GAP rehomes greyhounds, potential owners are quizzed about their family situation, social life and if they are home bodies or active people.
The information is used to match a greyhound with the needs and lifestyle of its new owners.
Freddie was two years old when he was matched with Steve and Jess, although he was not among the initial trio of greyhounds chosen for the couple.
GAP had ruled out Freddie, despite him being a suitable candidate because it was believed he had been accounted for, Steve explained.
“We weren't even meant to look at Freddy,” Steve said.
“They thought he had been adopted earlier in the week, and the lady said, when she brought him out, ‘we thought he was actually already gone.'
“Two of the other three greyhounds would have been fine as well, but it's like anything, you don't know if you're going to match up well until later.
“They got it, bang on, matching him with us.”
Now in his fifth year of lazing at their Sandgate home, he has been the ideal pet and adores the presence of humans but never gets in their face, his owner says.
“He likes to be around you and be in your presence, but he’s not super needy. He has been perfect for us,” Steve said.
“When we got him, we were both working full time and he has just fitted in perfectly.
“He’s happy to go out for walks and he’s not much fuss.”
A few of their friends have warmed to the idea of owning a greyhound after they saw how placid Freddie was.
“They are great pets and people forget they are a pure-bred dog looking for a home, and you pay only 100 bucks. You can't beat it," he said.
“You get to know their whole history and they are bred for performance, so you know they're going to be pretty healthy.”
GAP is run by the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC), at Churchable, 65km west of Brisbane.
The average wait for a greyhound to be available to be rehomed is less than six weeks.
It costs $100 to adopt a greyhound and GAP provides ongoing assistance while checking in with the owners over the first three months of being rehomed.
The GAP will have a stand at the Ekka, which starts August 6, while racing greyhound judging for the Ekka Sweepstakes (pictured) is on August 7 at Stockman’s Rest.