Gemma’s Journey

From Frozen with Fear to Finding Safety

In January 2025, tiny Gemma arrived at Gumtree Greys as part of the Maffra mass rescue. She was so frightened on handover day that she had to be carried to the car. It was immediately clear to Fiona, our Rescue and Foster Coordinator, that Gemma would need far more support than first anticipated.

Gemma on the day of her Rescue

Finding the Right Home

Knowing Gemma would need exceptional patience, Fiona reached out to a trusted rural foster family. There, Gemma met Robert and Michelle, whose gentle consistency helped her begin to feel safe.

On their quiet property, surrounded by the calm presence of their greyhounds, Gemma was finally able to move at her own pace.

To support her transition, Robert and Michelle even collected an older greyhound Gemma was familiar and at ease with, helping her feel less alone in this new chapter. This caring act made a huge difference to her well-being.

Through simple, pressure-free routines, like a daily ball-throwing ritual, Gemma slowly began to trust. Watching from afar became stepping closer, then quietly accepting a soft touch.

Having spent most of her life in a paddock with little human contact, the world beyond the kennels was overwhelming. New sounds, movement and touch left her completely frozen with fear.

A Difficult Start

Gemma’s first foster placement revealed just how distressed she was. She hid in a corner and couldn’t eat, toilet or move without being gently lifted. Recognising that this environment wasn’t right for her, Fiona quickly put a safer, more suitable plan in place.

Gemma began medication to help manage her anxiety and was moved to a quiet cottage at a behavioural boarding facility, where she could settle into a calm, low-pressure environment.

Progress was slow but meaningful. She started exploring the outdoor run and quietly watching other dogs from a distance.

Gemma Gaining Confidence at the Behavioural Boarding Facility

Her Forever Home

As Gemma blossomed, Robert and Michelle knew she belonged with them. With Fiona’s full support, Gemma was officially adopted into the home that had given her the patience, safety and understanding she needed to heal.

Today, Gemma is quietly happy, living safely and entirely on her own terms.

Gemma in Her Forever Home

This January marks both Gemma’s birthday and the first anniversary of her rescue, a milestone made possible by Fiona’s compassion and Robert and Michelle’s extraordinary patience.

Happy anniversary, Gemma ❤️