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Show Feature Will SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS WEDNESDAY APRIL 14, 1899 15 wiilspakf oir She Qireylhouncils? By Barbara Pyles If anyone could be called a woman with a mission, its Claudia Presto. She earned that recognition when she started greyhounds in placing homes. These dogs adoptive have souls that are beautiful, old and neglected. They deserve to be loved, and until the day I die I will own greyhounds and try and find good loving homes for others, she says. It all started back in 1985, when Presto was vacationing in Vermont with her afghan hound, Jezebel. One day she saw two white dogs with long thin faces. The dogs had lengthy powerful legs and a long and curved tail. She looked into their sweet, loving eyes and felt something tugging at her heart. The young woman was appalled when she found out that tens of thousands of greyhounds were being killed because they were not generating enough money lor the people who owned and raced them. Presto wanted to make a difference. All she had to do was care. She adopted Eliminator from the, Connecticut track and for the next eight years she worked with Connecticut greyhound adoption groups. Her dream: having her own Greyhound ex-raci- GanS- - v;this time During S the slender brunette lived the good life work-ingf- or Corporate America. Then in 1993, she chucked her silk shoes and stockings, high-hee- l suits, sold her Volkswagen convertible and bought a Chevy V-- 8 pickup with a camper shell. Towing a 18 ft. camper, she left the east coast with her new greyhound Slim - Jezebel and Eliminator having left her for Doggie Heaven and headed out west to look for a better way of life. As Presto traveled through southern Utah, she found the landscape breathtaking. The red rock cliffs cut a stark contrast to the concrete city she came from. As she neared Kanab, the jagged peaks of the Vermillion cliffs welcomed her home. Its at this new home in Kanab where her greyhound gang went from a dream to reality. In 1995, she incorporated as a non-profi- t, tax-exem- pt t501)(C)(3) organization with the mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and adopting out greyhounds to loving hearts and homes. This labor of love (negative cash flow), occurs from her small home on two - fenced acres in Kanab, Utah which she shares ex-raci- them. It is like brushing my teeth, she says. It is something I just do every day. I buy a car so that it suits my dogs. I buy property that it sui so take pills, dogs. I will take the dogs to a doctor before I go.. Presto took a minute to hug Beauty. I have found the thing in my life that is my passion. Centuries of breeding are still part of the greyhounds' Beauty and Winslow. She also cares for other greyhounds until she can find suitable homes for de- meanor. They are elegant, affectionate, loving companions, who ask nothing more than to be with you. They are smart, quiet couch potatoes who will unconditionally love your kids, other animals and you, she once wrote. Just how does someone adopt one of her greyhounds? Well its not easy! Her adoption process begins when she travels to Las Vegas and places an ad in the paper saying where she will be a certain date. Several of her adopters bring their greyhounds, She brings her manuals and adoption applications. Presto is very particular when it comes to placing her greyhounds. She expects them to be a part of the family, and to have all the com- of a loving home. She stresses that greyhounds should never be allowed out of a fenced area unless they are on a leash. Presto asks for references and checks up on everyone. When people adopt a dog from me, they adopt me too. I call and follow I expect to see the dog. When dogs are sick, I expect a call because I can help them, she says. According to Presto there are more than 200 other indepen- , Greyhound Gang organizer Claudia Preston with five of her couch potato buddies. Presto is hosting a Greyhound Gathering in Kanab on Mayl and 2, when about 150 of the dogs will be visiting the area. ex-raci- dent groups in the country adopt- ing out greyhounds. The groups adopted out about 15,000 dogs last year. However, thousands of greyhounds are still being euthanized. Presto, who is hosting a Grey- hound Gathering in Kanab on May - 2, expects about 150 res- cued racing greyhounds along with their families. Festivities for the Greyhound Gathering will include a paradedownMain Street on May 1 at 10:30 a.m. Its a chance to see these regal, elegant, centuries old dogs up close and personal, she says, There will also 'be an art con-titest for elementary school chil-th- e dren. All art work will be Presto sheepishly said, Ive been praying for a generous per-o- n son, who needs a tax writeoff, to donate me a vehicle, or maybe a salesman to give me a really good deal! My wonderful vehicle has more than 200,000 miles on it and I dont know how much longer it will last. Any donations for the Grey-fort- s hound Gang should be sent to: does receive donations, she Claudia Prestoat P.O.Box 274. You can also call her at (435) , spends thousands of dollars out ofherown pocket for such things Her address is as food, vitamins, medical care. grevgang( presto.org. Check her mal Sanctuary is allowing use of Angels Landing for lunches. This compassionate woman ended the interview by saying: I love being in Kanab. Its home, I very much appreciate how the town and Best Friends has em- braced the Greyhound Gang. There are financial problems associated with being a caregiver for greyhounds. Although Presto 1- 644-290- ail shelter, transportation and website more. dis-pho- played on Shilolnnslobby walls, Frontier Movie Town is opening up their facility for pictures and merriment. Best Friends Since 1960 No substitute for experience Call Don Eddy at 644-542- , We provide Dry Pack Canning equipment, your place or ours. Sample foods before you buy. 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