Hakuna Matata. We all know it means "no worries", but the catchy lyric made famous by the film and musical, The Lion King, has come to mean "Pumba" around the Greyhounds As Pets (GAP) office.
The striking white and brindle dog known as Pumba off the track and "Hakuna Matata" on the track has recently come into the care of GAP after a career spanning just over two years.
Pumba raced 39 times for one win and nine minor placings and missed out on another win by just a nose. However Pumba’s best work seems to have come in retirement.
His former owner/trainer, Frank Noone of the Central Coast, has done a wonderful job in preparing Pumba for life in the slower lane of pet-hood prior to coming into GAP.
Pumba was a regular at the local dog park, safely socialising with a number of other breeds of canine friends and was well accustomed to house life. Pumba even had his own sandpit in the backyard and was taught a number of commands by Frank. Pumba spent lots of time with children and adults alike and all of these factors have contributed to the ease in which Pumba has adapted outside of the racing environment.
We want Pumba’s experience and important life skills that he has developed under Frank’s wonderful guidance to be a testament to others of the value of safely socialising your Greyhound. Whether a speedster on the track like many or less so, like Pumba, the time taken to have your Greyhound experience new things and meet other dogs safely will do them a world of good in retirement, not to mention giving you the peace of mind that you have set them off on the right foot into a well-earned retirement.
We are really thrilled to have Pumba in the GAP program, so much so that a staff member’s family have fallen head over heels for him and will soon welcome him into their home.
If you would like to know more about the Greyhounds As Pets program or tips on helping your greyhound into retirement check out our website www.gapnsw.com.au and click on ‘Trainer and Owner Information’ or contact 1800 696 377, we would love to chat with you.
