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Celebrating second chances on National Dog Day
26 AUGUST 2025
National Dog Day on August 26 is all about celebrating the dogs we love, and those still waiting for a home. This year, we’re shining a light on retired racing greyhounds in the Greyhounds as Pets (GAP) program, where female inmates help train them into gentle, loving pets, changing lives along the way.
From racing to embracing
A greyhound bounds across the grass, playfully leaping up to her handler before a gentle admonishment sees her settle and stand obediently beside the woman holding the leash.
“Good girl, Delta!” Sheridan* says, as she rubs the dog’s nose and gives her a pat.
It looks like a training scene at any dog park in the suburbs, but this is happening inside Wellington Correctional Centre, a sprawling maximum- and medium-security facility located 360 kms west of Sydney.
A pawsitive change
Sheridan is currently a remand inmate, but she isn’t wasting her time behind bars. She is part of the GAP program, working with greyhounds like Delta, Reagan, Blunt, Scar and Cruz to help them transition from the racetrack to family life.
“When they first come, they are scared, they are timid, some are terrified,” Sheridan says. She is talking about the dogs, but she could just as easily be describing the inmates.
“Learning about the different characters they have, their personalities, some are difficult in the beginning but then by the end of the training they have changed for the better.”
The transformation goes both ways. As the greyhounds grow in confidence, so do the women who care for them.
“I love every day I do this, these dogs have saved me,” Sheridan says proudly.
“Without them, I would just be a mess.”
Toni*, another inmate in the program, agrees. Training the greyhounds has had a significant impact on her wellbeing.
“Spending time with them really helps our mental health. Instead of sitting around with nothing to do, we’re working with them, getting them ready for a new life.”
A new leash on life
Over an eight-week period, the women care for the dogs six and a half hours a day. They feed them, clean their pens, administer medication, walk and bathe them, and teach them to socialise. They also train the dogs in basic commands like name recognition, recall, walking on a loose lead, and going to their bed.
Some greyhounds even go on to receive additional training to become PTSD companion animals.
“The other girls here help too, they love to cuddle the dogs when we walk them and this helps the dogs relax,” explains Toni.
“The girls approach them in the yard, and this builds their confidence. Just having them here has a good effect on everyone.”
Leading the way
Natasha Richards, GAP Coordinator at Wellington Correctional Centre, has nothing but praise for the collaboration with Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW), the GAP program and the women who take on the task of training the dogs.
“When the girls come and work on the program, I have a little bit of a look at everything that's going on with them and then I have a chat with them. So, I am with them from when they start and to see their confidence grow and them settled into the role, it’s very exciting.”
The women also gain practical skills, including components of a Certificate II in Animal Care, and lessons from renowned dog trainer Steve Austin.
“The idea of second chances is at the very heart of this program. The dogs are rehabilitated by inmates who, at the same time, are undertaking their own transformative and life-changing journey,” says Natasha.
“I am so proud of how well the ladies take on the role of animal carer. Their commitment to the program and ensuring successful outcomes for the greyhounds is outstanding.”
Since launching in December 2023, the Wellington GAP program has seen 12 women train around 60 greyhounds. Five participants have expressed interest in working in animal care after release.
“When I leave here, I’m going to work in a kennel,” Sheridan says.
“That’s what I want to do, because these dogs, working for GAP, has saved me.”
*Names changed.
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