Girard Interiors Raising Money for Homeless Pets

is donating 5 percent of their sales this month to the Friends of the County Animal Shelter (FOCAS).

This is the fourth year Girard Interiors has raised money for FOCAS. The group's volunteers are responsible for providing care to animals at the Bergen County Animal Shelter in Teterboro. FOCAS also provides medical care to injured, sick and abused animals beyond what the shelter can normally through their "Angels Fund" program and helps them find homes.

FOCAS rescues hundreds of animals each year, like Scotty, a cat found with shot wounds and Joey, a Chihuahua mix found in the woods with burns, a fractured rib cage and a broken pubic bone.

Wendy Girard, the owner of Girard Interiors, said she first found out about FOCAS when Carol Burrows, the group's president, became her client about four years ago. Girard said she knew right away FOCAS was a cause she wanted to get involved with.

"I thought Girard's could help," Girard said. "We picked April because it's 'be kind to animals' month."

The group was appealing to Girard because its members are all volunteers. Last year, she said they raised about $4,300 for FOCAS.

"The money's all for the animals," Girard said.

Anyone who wants to donate, but is not in the market for interior design work this month, can still help by purchasing a Girard Interiors gift certificate or sending a check.

"I can't stress how important it is to our survival," Burrows said about the donations. She also noted that other Westwood businesses, including and , have contributed.

To drum up extra business for the FOCUS fundraiser this month, Girard Interiors is offering the services of architect Jim McCaughey on Fridays from noon to 5 p.m.

Girard Interiors specializes in window treatments, re-upholstery and restoration and wall coverings. It has been in business in Westwood for more than 25 years. Their clients include local homeowners and businesses as well as sports franchises, including the New York Yankees.