The Alternative Press

The Greyhound Friends of New Jersey 16th Annual Craft Show & Pet Show, the group’s largest fundraiser of the year, will be held Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17 and 18, at the Westfield Armory, 500 Rahway Avenue, Westfield. Hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This event is crucial in the efforts to rescue, provide healthcare and find safe, loving homes for retired racing greyhounds. Linda Lyman, president, said, “We are so pleased to see our event continue to grow and welcome our presenting sponsors: NorthStar VETS, Shreiber Animal Foundation Enterprise and Valley Veterinary Hospital. Again this year, we’re expecting 100 vendors to join us. Especially, in times like these, we need all the help we can find. We rely on donations to save these wonderful greyhounds since adoption fees don’t come close to covering our expenses for each dog we rescue. These sweet dogs make excellent pets.”

Funds raised at the show help pay for the care of hundreds of greyhounds before they find homes, including veterinary care, kennel bills and transportation. The funds also pay for special medical care including orthopedic surgery for greyhounds who break their legs on the track during races. Prior to adoption, all dogs are spayed or neutered, receive dental care, heartworm testing and inoculations. When a greyhound is in dire need, GFNJ is always there.

The show will feature an array of vendors offering a wide variety of goodies for people and their pets, a bake sale with goodies for every sweet tooth, and an exciting raffle. Santa will be there to pose for digital photos with pets. Have lunch in “The Grey Café.” It’s a perfect time to pick up holiday gifts for two or four-legged best friends and help this cause. And, of course, leashed pets are welcome.

Back by popular demand, singer/songwriter Carolyn Messina will entertain guests.

There will be greyhounds available for adoption to pre-approved applicants at the show. Interested adopters can go to the website to find out about adoption requirements and see pictures of available greyhounds.

For vendor information, contact Terry Jackson at greygal3@optonline.net.

For craft show, adoption and vendor details, visit the Greyhound Friends of N.J. website at greyhoundfriendsnj.org or contact Ellen Ganopoulos at 973-759-0461 or Redreeper@aol.com.

To adopt a greyhound, contact Linda Lyman at lelyman10@comcast.net or 732-356-4370.