Greyhounds were the dog of choice for kings, queens, pharaohs and sheiks for thousands of years and were considered to possess divine powers. To be presented with a greyhound was the most prized gift one could receive. The Egyptians first raced greyhounds for sport in open fields with a wild hare as prey and no rules of the game except speed. In the 15th century, a commoner found owning a greyhound was beheaded so that the sport of racing could remain exclusively for royalty. The destruction of a greyhound was an extremely serious crime.

Today greyhounds are also bred and prized as racing animals; they run up to 45 miles per hour and can spot a small animal from up to a half mile away. Unfortunately, if they don't perform well, or after a short racing career is over (usually about four years), many are left behind to simply wander off and starve to death or be killed. Thanks in large part to the efforts of greyhound rescue groups, nearly 20,000 greyhounds are adopted in the U.S. each year.

When Coronadans Barbara and Tom Angioletti were looking for a companion dog for their Irish setter, McEnroe (named after the emotionally heated tennis pro), they learned about the plight of the greyhounds and started doing some research. They found Operation Greyhound where they met Gabriella, a graceful female. Gabriella quickly made herself at home with McEnroe, spending most of her time romping in the small yard, taking walks, playing with toys and taking plenty of naps on the sofa.

The common perception is that greyhounds need a lot of exercise. Although they do like to run, they are first and foremost "couch potatoes" according to Barbara. They don't need more exercise than other breeds; a daily walk will do. Because, in most cases, they are raised in kennels they are housebroken very easily. "We now have two new greyhounds, Gino, 12 and Bella, 7," says Barbara. Greyhounds are clean, easy to care for and gentle; even a child can handle a greyhound. "In fact, Bella was quick to greet my 11-month-old son with a kiss on the face. Our dogs have been faithful and loyal and we adore them. I recommend them to other locals I meet while walking my dogs. Some have also adopted greyhounds." Operation Greyhound is located in El Cajon: (619) 588-6611 or www.operationgreyhound.com. You can also check out the Greyhound Adoption Center in La Mesa: (877) GR8TDOG (478-8364).

Many other rescue animals also make great pets. Here in Coronado, PAWS (Pacific Animal Welfare Society), headed by Louise Shirey, was formed in early 2003 to provide foster care, medical services and adoption assistance for animals housed at the Coronado animal control facility, currently located below the Coronado police station while a new headquarters is built on First Street near the Ferry Landing. A team of volunteers walk dogs around the island, spend time grooming and petting the cats in the shelter, and provide foster care in their own homes. In order to prevent the increase in the feral or homeless cat population on the island, PAWS provides vouchers for free spay or neuter services. PAWS absorbs the cost of any treatments, such as for worms or mites, for animals in their care and updates vaccines for all adopted pets. In order to help cover their veterinarian costs there is a small adoption fee. Funds are also provided by an anonymous Coronado donor.

One recent adoption story was definitely a result of karma. The adopter lives across from the police station and animal shelter. An 8-month-old cat, Lucy, in residence at the shelter found her way to Bob Fitzharris in a circuitous route. It turns out a friend of Fitzharris who lives in Pasadena and subscribes to the Coronado newspaper spotted Lucy's "Adopt Me" photo in a recent edition, cut out her photo, and sent it to Fitzharris, attached with a note that said, "Isn't she a beauty?" Indeed she is. The long-legged black-and-white tabby made herself right at home in the Fitzharris household. She took over the entire house immediately — just like a woman!" says Lucy's new owner. "I no longer need an alarm clock. Lucy gently taps her paw on my cheek when it's time to get up. She's great company and very sweet." Fitzharris' daughter also adopted a rescue animal. They both feel that adopting rescue animals is a winwin situation.

Kim and James Peterson are Coronado residents who have worked with PAWS and a number of rescue groups, including Labrador Rescue, for the past six years. The couple spends hours on the phone tracking down potential families for dogs whose hours are running out. The Petersons themselves adopted a Golden Retriever mix who was about to be euthanized. Their dog has been a loving and faithful pet for years. The Petersons also serve as PAWS dog walkers, taking the dogs out and about the community wearing their bright yellow jackets that read "Adopt Me" to give them as much exposure as possible. "It's fun for us and the dogs," says Kim. And as a foster-care family, the Petersons take dogs overnight and on weekends to see how they adapt to a home environment and other dogs and how they play. "It's a great way to see their temperament first hand so we can help place them in the right home," Kim says. "It's also a great morale booster for the dogs and gives them a much-needed break from living in a kennel."

The Petersons encourage fellow Coronadans to become involved with PAWS in a variety of ways. The organization's wish list includes office space, computers, food, pet supplies, door prizes to be auctioned at fundraisers, airline miles for volunteers and pets, business cards, entertainment, professional grooming and foster homes for cats and dogs, and, of course, monetary gifts.

Memberships begin at $25. The group also seeks more families and individuals willing to provide temporary foster homes, dog walking, or drop-ins to pet and/or groom a dog or cat. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Shirey at (619) 435- 8247 or Dlshirey92118@msn.com or www.pawsofcoronado.org.