Greyhound Friends of New Jersey will hold its largest fundraiser of the year, the 15th Annual Craft Show and Pet Expo, on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 19 and 20 at the Westfield Armory.

This year’s attendees will be treated to performances by Carolyn Messina. A New Jersey resident, singer/songwriter Messina performs regularly at restaurants, coffeehouses, clubs, house concerts and open mics, including The Bitter End, The Stone Pony, The Minstrel, Music at the Mission, and more.

"I've been blessed with the gift of music. So when there is a charity or cause that I strongly agree with, I try to support that cause with my donation of time and music," Messina said. "Greyhound Friends of New Jersey is an organization that really makes a difference with their efforts to rescue and place greyhounds in good homes.”

This event is crucial in the group’s efforts to rescue, provide healthcare and find safe, loving homes for retired racing greyhounds.

Linda Lyman, GFNJ president said, "As a non-profit organization, we rely on donations to save these retired racers. Adoption fees don't come close to covering our expenses for each dog we rescue. We turn no greyhound away, so we receive calls regularly from tracks all over the country looking to cull dogs from their kennels.

"Our goal is to surpass last year's total of 300 greyhounds placed in good homes. We are so grateful to sponsors JL Media, Garden State Veterinary Specialists, Ace of Spays, and Red Bank Veterinary Hospital for their support of our event. Carolyn Messina’s performance is an exciting new element everyone will enjoy. Especially, in times like these, we need all the help we can get."

The Show will feature an array of vendors offering a wide variety of
goodies for people and their pets, a bake sale, and an exciting raffle. Santa,
sponsored by JL Media, Inc., will be there to pose for digital photos with pets.

It's a perfect time to pick up holiday gifts for your two or four-legged best
friend and help this wonderful cause. And, of course, leashed pets are welcome.

Throughout the weekend, potential adopters can learn about the joy of
owning a retired racing greyhound and what great pets they make. Greyhounds available for adoption to pre-approved applicants will be at the Show. Interested adopters can go to the group’s web site to find out about adoption requirements and see pictures of available greyhounds.

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 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.

For Craft Show and adoption details visit the Greyhound Friends of NJ website or contact Ellen Ganopoulos at 973-759-0461 or Redreeper@aol.com

Interested in adopting a greyhound? Contact Linda Lyman at lelyman7@verizon.net or 732-356-4370.