Fundraiser will be for '45-mph couch potatoes'

"They have been working dogs their whole lives, and when they come off the track everything is brand-new to them - being in a house, having toys, having a home. They appreciate it so much, and it is like nothing I have ever seen in another breed," said Riegel, who began volunteering with the dogs more than 14 years ago and recently adopted her fourth greyhound.

"They are just so sweet and docile and mellow, and that is why people who get one all of a sudden have seven and never get any other dogs. They are like potato chips. You can't have just one."

Riegel is coordinating the upcoming benefit and is the fund-development director for Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption, which is currently caring for about 10 dogs. The organization accepts lost or abandoned greyhounds as well as dogs from Tucson Greyhound Park.

Animals are usually placed in the organization's kennel where they receive medical and dental care, and are neutered or spayed. They also receive microchips and home training and socialization through foster homes before adoption.

Though many of the dogs have been racers, they do not require a great deal of exercise.

"We always say, 'Adopt a greyhound and lose a couch.' They are 45-mile-per-hour couch potatoes," Riegel said.

Mary Freeman, chairman of the advisory board with Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption, emphasized that the rescued greyhounds, which are typically between three and four years old, are nonaggressive and often shy.

"People think they have to have lots of exercise, but they are sprinters by nature. They go short distances very fast, and then they are done. At the track they run every three or four days, not every day. They will curl up on your bed or couch and be your companion. They are little love sponges. They just want to be loved," Freeman said.

A self-proclaimed "cat person," she and her partner, Diana Hansen, changed their mantra from "no dogs" to "maybe a greyhound" after meeting up with a rescued hound in 2000. Since then, they have rescued three dogs, fostered many others and spent countless hours helping rescue organizations.

Now Freeman will try another hat: storyteller. At "Greyt Tales," she will tell "Domino's Story," a selection of funny short stories about their first dog, whom they have since lost to lung cancer.

She will be one of eight storytellers to share personal experiences about greyhounds in the form of five-minute stories. Riegel developed the idea for the event through her involvement with StoryArts Group Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to preserving storytelling as a form of art.

The organization features a monthly project, Odyssey Storytelling. There, storytellers gather to share stories and personal narratives based on a different theme.

Riegel is gratified that her two favorite passions will be highlighted at the fundraiser and hopes to bring awareness to both causes during the process. She also welcomes the opportunity to share the gift of greyhounds with the public.

"The work we do takes money, and we are limited by our resources, so we hope we will raise enough funds to take in more greyhounds," she said. "We will also have foster dogs at the event, and people will have the chance to see them and interact with greyhounds looking for a home."

If you go

What: "Greyt Tales" to benefit Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption

When: 4 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 26

Where: Fluxx Studio, 414 E. Ninth St.

Cost: $20 per person if purchased online at http://sagreyhoundadoption.org by Tuesday or $25 at the door

Etc.: Festivities include a wine tasting featuring two red wines and two white wines, with nonalcoholic options available, along with appetizers and desserts as well as a merchant fair and storytelling by volunteers in conjunction with Odyssey Storytelling. The event is greyhound- and large-dog-friendly (canines over 50 pounds).

For tickets or more information: Go to sagreyhoundadoption.org or call 955-7421

Contact Loni Nannini at ninch2@comcast.net