Sonny's Story: From Snoot-Shaped Hole to Forever Home

1. The Beginning

During Melbourne's COVID lockdowns, Gwyn and her partner adopted their first greyhound. Sadly, their time together was cut short when she passed away unexpectedly after just one year.

"The heartbreak was like no other," Gwyn said. "There was a snoot-shaped hole in our hearts."

Just two weeks later, they began fostering with Greyt Greys. It might have seemed quick, but for them, it felt right.

"We like to think it's what she would have wanted — to save more greys. And honestly, it's what we needed to heal."

They went on to foster four greyhounds in quick succession: Wilbur, Jeremy, Fonzie (now Monty), and finally, Sonny — each with their own quirks and stories.

They also began learning about the reality of the racing industry:

"We had no idea about the horrors these dogs faced. It's been a learning journey ever since."

2. The Foster Phase

Sonny made quite the first impression.

"He was frisky — he hadn't been desexed yet. We played Sunny by Boney M the whole way home while he was messing around in the back of the car," Gwyn laughed.

But any concerns about him settling in quickly disappeared the next day. Sonny "roached" — a sign of deep comfort — almost immediately.

"We couldn't believe how relaxed he was — it felt like he was home already."

Then came the moment that sealed it.

Not long into their fostering journey with Sonny, Gwyn and her partner both got COVID.

"We couldn't walk him much, and we were in bed a lot. He seemed to know something was off — he'd come over and gently place a paw on us, like he was checking in."

To this day, he still does it when someone's feeling low.

And now, with a baby on the way, Sonny's compassion continues:

"I'm pregnant, and he's started putting his paw on my belly. I like to think he knows — that he's caring for baby too."

3. The 'Foster Fail' Moment

The moment they realised they couldn't say goodbye?

"Through tears, I was filling out the personality form so Sonny could be listed for adoption."

Luckily, the Greyt Greys team gave them some extra time. That space made all the difference.

"We just couldn't let him go."

While they'd originally planned to travel and resisted adoption a little, in the end, it was meant to be.
Sonny changed, too.

"At the start, he was like a Labrador — bouncing on our bed and licking our faces. We loved it! But honestly, we think he tricked us a bit because once we adopted him, he stopped doing it as much."

Over time, they also discovered his fears — he doesn't like other dogs in his face and gets anxious at the vet.

"But we've worked with him. One of the biggest lessons Sonny taught us is that it's okay to have a reactive dog. They deserve love too."

4. Life Now

Sonny brings something simple but powerful to Gwyn's life: joy.

"Just so much joy, every single day."

He fits into their routine perfectly — no early starts, just chilled mornings and sunny naps.

"He runs to his bed on the deck when the sun hits it, smacks his lips when he's content, and sometimes you catch a little smile on his face."

If Sonny could say one thing about his new life?

"It's greyt. But more cheese and more roast chicken, please."

5. For Future Adopters

To anyone unsure about adopting a greyhound, Gwyn has just one piece of advice:

"Don't think — just do. Adopt."