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Greyhound Gang |
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Greyhound Gang |
Presto's racing to find Greyhounds new homes
By Dixie Brunner
Southern Utah News, March 15, 1995
To say that Claudia Presto's life is going to the dogs, would be an understatement.
But not just any dogs... Greyhounds. The Kanab resident has started the "Greyhound Gang," a non-profit, tax-exempt Greyhound adoption agency.
"I adopted my first Greyhound in 1985. I fell in love with the breed," said Presto.
Racing Greyhounds have a short lifespan, if someone like Presto doesn't come to their rescue. The dogs used at gambling tracks throughout the country, usually don't live past three.
"If they aren't making money, they aren't valuable to their owners anymore," said Presto. Owners have the dogs put to sleep.
That's where Presto comes in. She rescues the doomed dogs from a Tucson track, and adopts them out to loving homes.
Presto's involvement with Greyhounds began back in the 80's when she adopted "Eliminator" from a Connecticut track. Presto continued to work with local groups finding homes for the doomed, retired racers. With the recent inception of "Greyhound Gang," Presto's personal dream of helping Greyhounds has come to realization.
Greyhounds are largely misunderstood becauseof their racing background, says Presto. The breed is sweet, easy-going, and not hyper. Coming from ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece, the regal-looking dogs have been the exalted pets of royalty. They love kids, are very trainable, and live to please their owner.
"They're not an in-your-face type dog," said Presto. "They're reserved, but once they know that they're yours, they're extremely loving and loyal."
Her words are demonstrated by the two friendly dogs currently residing with her. "Slim" and "Darling" live with Presto, and their gratitude is obvious. Slim is Presto's own dog, and Darling is a recently rescued dog soon to be offered for adoption.
The dogs offered for adoption are all registered, purebred race dogs. The ideal home, says Presto, should possess a fenced-in yard. They live indoors. The fee charged for the dogs is approximately $100, which covers the actual cost of adoption.
In Presto's brochure she lists the top ten reasons for adopting a Greyhound:
10) They don't slobber.
9) They hardly shed.
8) They like to hang with kids.
7) They're the fastest dogs on the block, but don't brag about it.
6) They're bigger couch potatoes than you are.
5) They could qualify for Mensa. (Most of them.)
4) They're always unfailingly sweet and polite.
3) They don't smell like dogs.
2) They look you in the eye when you talk to them.
1) They're forever thankful to you for saving their lives.
Race over and check out a Greyhound. The skinny dogs are a fast way to happiness.
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