If you think Jim, the greyhound, might be a perfect match for you – then Wollongong Animal Rescue Network is waiting for your call.

There’s plenty of retired racers looking to be rehomed by the non-profit charity, which has been inundated with calls since the Baird government announced a ban on greyhound racing.

‘’We’re scrambling to find suitable foster carers, and forever homes for these beautiful dogs,’’ WARN founder Naomi John said.

‘’We already had plenty of dogs to rehome, but after the announcement on Thursday we got 20 more that afternoon.

‘’We take in retired racers and dogs who aren’t suited to racing and we put them in foster homes to prepare them for home life.

‘’For these are dogs who are not used to being pets – they’ve lived in a cage and trained hard each day.

‘’They’re not used to being in a home with a television on, and stairs to climb – we even have to get them used to a glass patio door or they’ll bump straight into it.’’

The organisation has around 40 foster carers – for all breeds of companion animals – with 10 having a preference for greyhounds.

Ms John would like more carers to meet the demand, and hopes the state government offers assistance to animal welfare organisations in the wake of its bold move.

‘’We’re ecstatic that greyhound racing is coming to an end, but it means we need to broaden our scope and assist more animals,’’ she said.

‘’We do the best we can, but it’s not enough. Our funds come through fundraising and a minimal adoption fee, so we’re hoping that government funds will be allocated to groups like ours.

‘’If the government is making this ban on compassionate grounds, it needs to ensure that these animals are not destroyed.’’

Since its establishment two years ago, WARN has rehomed 40 greyhounds. The support of volunteers, and partners like Dapto’s Companion Animal Veterinary Hospital, is crucial.

‘’We’re desperate for more foster carers and we’d like a minimum commitment of three months, which is usually the length of time it takes to find them a home.’’

All provisions are supplied to carers, who take them through a six-week Greenhounds program to get them ready for life as a pet, and help them achieve a muzzle exemption.

‘’We’re also looking for people who want to adopt them and love them and make them part of their family,’’ Ms John said. ‘’They make amazing pets.’’

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