THE worst part of Angela Rowland's job is to see the greyhounds she has bred or trained being 'put down' (euthanased).

"Unfortunately, it's part of the job, she says. "You get very attached to them, especially when you've seen them grow up."

While Angela can't save all of the greyhounds she has trained, there was a happy ending for one special dog.

She recently adopted, through the greyhound adoption program, a dog that had been bred and trained by her some years previously. It was otherwise headed for oblivion.

"He was always my favourite dog and I told the owner that if anything ever happened to him I would look after him. After 13 starts, Count Black - his racing name - broke his achilles tendon and couldn't race again." While Angela now hopes to carve out a full-time career training greyhounds, she didn't always have a love for dogs.

"My brother started training greyhounds first and I didn't like them, but they eventually grew on me.

"They're so placid, have a lovely nature and are very loyal. I think everyone gets scared because they wear muzzles."

When she is training greyhounds Angela has to wake up at the same time they do, which is usually about 6.30am.

"Once daylight hits, the dogs like to get out and have a run," she says.

"There's a lot of exercise involved in my day, both for me and the dogs."

A dog trainer's day doesn't end until 11.30pm and, if the dog is racing, the work can involve a lot of travel and late nights.

But Angela says the long days are worth it when you have a win. She has been involved in nearly 100 wins so far.

"My most memorable placing was when a dog I trained came second in the South Australian Derby; the winner got $20,000. That was a big thrill and my first group race."

Winning is an even bigger achievement when greyhound racing is such a male-dominated industry - not that it fazes Angela.

"I've always been an outdoor girl and love what I do. As long as you have a passion, you can do anything."