rescue

By Nancy Dewar

Jen and Doug Abrams, owners of Allen Wayside Furniture, truly know what makes a house a home. No, it’s not the new couch or leather recliner, but rather the people and 4-legged creatures that live there. Both are big animal lovers and huge proponents of animal rescue, and their advertising reflects this. About three years ago some of their television commercials changed a bit, shifting to emphasize pet adoption. The spots open with Doug and VP of Sales Bill Abrams sitting on a couch with a dog, puppy, kitten or even a bunny. After introducing the animals, they say, “Help us clear the shelters and adopt; don’t shop. Make your house a home!”

Photo by Pant the Town Photography

Doug & Bill

The introduction is followed by video and voiceovers from local animal shelters promoting their individual needs. The Abrams work closely with the New Hampshire SPCA, the Midcoast Humane, the Darbster Foundation and the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire, to name just a few. Filming is done in one of their retail locations, where the rescue animals are invited to join them on set. “Our first and foremost concern is for the safety of the animals,” Jen explained. “If the shelter doesn’t have a current resident that is comfortable filming, we find an alumni (a previous rescue) to fill their spot.” These cute commercials run statewide on various cable networks, and to date their support has garnered over $100,000 in media exposure for animal rescue groups.

But Jen and Doug’s commitment to rescue animals extends well beyond TV. They have done numerous in-store food drives over the years, donated a percent of sales to rescues on specified weekends and have created numerous special events to raise funds for animals such as their “Cars & Coffee” event in Portland; a Sunday car show complete with raffles and more. They’ve also created special campaigns for hard to place dogs, those that have been in the shelter for way too long, as well as campaigns promoting senior adoptions. Jen personally sponsors many, what she refers to as “special needs dogs,” that she sees online. This includes paying for medical expenses, covering the adoption fee up front or spaying and neutering fees. “Rescue is really what I want to do, but I have to sell sofas to do it,” Jenn said laughing. “The problem is I’d keep all of the animals if I did rescue!”

And two years ago they did just that with one little pup Jen saw on the Rescue Dogs Rock NYC website. Jen and Doug had recently lost their beloved poodle Toto when this special dog caught their eye. Tiny Stella (formerly called Willa) was a bit emaciated, weighing only five pounds. They adopted her sight unseen from her sad photo and then waited for over a month for her to arrive following some medical issues. While waiting, Jen called the vet daily to check on her as it was a touch and go situation with pneumonia. Stella arrived in New Hampshire in July 2019 and hasn’t looked back on her early days in Alabama.

This adorable little love-bug is now a whopping 8 ½ pounds and has the life of Riley! Stella prefers being inside to out, loves going to work in the office and has learned that collars are like shoes; one can never have too many! She’s also really wormed her way into her Dad’s heart. “I’m not a small dog person,” Doug explained. “I used to call them ankle biters. But this little dog has totally captured me. She now runs my life and has more character than I’ve ever seen.”

Stella Pre Adoption Photo

What’s next on the Abrams’ rescue schedule? In July they and their team members will be welcoming an animal transport truck sponsored by Allen Wayside. It will bring about 16 dogs and several cats to New England; all animals fully approved for adoption and ready to go to their new homes. “We’re the welcoming committee,” Jen said. “And we’re always open to more partnerships with others to help save more animals lives. I’m open to all ideas.” Big kudos to Jen and Doug…for truly helping make a house a home; not with furnishings but with 4-legged LOVE.