Rescued at the Rescue TV Production

By Nancy Dewar

Doug and Jen Abrams, owners of Allen Wayside Furniture, are both crazy about animals and extremely committed to helping rescue organizations. I’ve laughed many times when I’ve heard Jen say, “I need to sell more sofas so I can help more rescue animals!” And she truly means this. In addition to donating merchandise for auctions and raffles, hosting fundraising events, tie-ins with furniture manufacturers and countless other efforts; the Abrams also generously allocate a portion of their annual television advertising budget to promote local rescue organizations and highlight their individual needs.

These TV commercials open with well-known Doug and Bill Abrams announcing, “Allen Wayside Furniture.” The opening is followed by a voiceover and visuals featuring representatives of the given rescue group and promoting whatever their needs may be; e.g. more volunteers, new foster homes, funding, etc. Of course, a few of their dogs or cats are included in the spots…and even bunnies and guinea pigs have participated! After commercials ran highlighting the Lakes Region Humane Society that featured a key staff member, she told Jen, “Everyone in town told me that they saw me on TV!” So, the word really does get out.

New commercials are shot quarterly in both New Hampshire and Maine, and they shoot spots for two rescue groups per state during each shoot. “It usually takes about an hour to film a group. It’s pretty easy, and our team has it down pat. It’s about two hours from set-up through completion. Most of the animals are well behaved during the shoots. Only once did we lose a cat in the showroom…briefly,” Jen explained. Sometimes there is a bit of confusion when new rescue organizations are approached to participate. “At first, they don’t know what to think when we offer them free television. I think they wonder ‘what’s the catch?’ And there is none!”

Last fall their two shoots ended a bit differently than most. Following each, new homes were found for two lucky canines…with Allen Wayside staff members! During the Maine shoot showcasing the Midcoast Humane, Bill Abrams held one of the precious little puppies and it was like Velcro to him. The pup didn’t leave his arms. He just wouldn’t let go, and Bill was smitten. He ended up taking the puppy home directly from the shoot. The rescue’s Executive Director remarked, “Let’s just call this a foster situation!” And it was a brief one that resulted in the puppy quickly getting his forever home.

The next day they shot commercials for Doverbased Pope Memorial Humane Society, and a big dog in the shoot was so darn sweet that Doug and Jen sought out their employee Bekki to come meet him. The handsome fellow melted into the couch and really didn’t want to leave. Bekki and her husband filled out an online application that night and went and picked up their new dog (they named Neller) the next day. Jen knew that Bekki and her husband had always rescued older dogs and had been without a dog for over a year. “I thought this could be a perfect match and it was,” Jen said with a smile.

Jen is dogged in her support of rescue. “We’d love to hear from more non-profits to feature in our television schedule. When we get the word out, there may be people who can’t rescue an animal but are able to volunteer, donate or foster. I often think of how stressful it is for these dogs to be in a kennel. Can you imagine the nervousness and all the scared barking? But the rescue professionals always assure me that they are better off with them than where they came from.” That is…until they find their new forever home (sometimes through the most unexpected circumstances)…like a television photo shoot promoting rescue!

Following are some of the groups Doug and Jen support. If you are a non-profit rescue organization interested in being featured in their television commercials, please contact Jen Abrams at Allen Wayside Furniture in Portsmouth.

Lakes Region Humane Society (Ossipee, NH), Animal Rescue League of NH (Bedford, NH), Lucky Pups Rescue (Kennebunkport, ME), Conway Area Humane Society (Conway, NH) HART of Maine (Felines Only / Cumberland, ME), New Hampshire SPCA (Stratham, NH), Pope Memorial Humane Society (Dover, NH), Midcoast Humane (Brunswick, ME)

Bill Abrams (Vice President) & His New Puppy Mr. Beans

His name is Mr. Beans, and he was born on May 20th, 2022, so he’s now eight months old. Mr. Beans is a mixed breed. He definitely

How did you meet at the photo shoot?

Mr. Beans, who had previously been named Luigi, came to the store with his brother Mario from the Midcoast Humane Society located in Brunswick, Maine. They were there along with three kittens and a grown dog to be in an Allen Wayside TV commercial to raise awareness of shelter animals, generate some support for the groups as well as, and hopefully, find them a new home.

Bekki Alphoff

(Manager of Inventory Control) & Her New

I don’t know, although I would say I really decided to adopt him as much as he sort of decided to adopt me. He instantly found himself at home and calm as soon as I held him. He crawled up onto my shoulder and fell asleep. When his brother, along with everyone else from Midcoast was leaving, he had no intention of going anywhere and just wanted to stay with me. I did not know how he would get along with my other dog who I adopted approximately a year ago, so I decided to foster him and see how things went. This foster situation lasted for five hours at the most, as he instantly became part of our family!

Do your dogs get along?

My other dog, who I adopted last October, is named Mocha. They get along wonderfully.

What do you love most about them?

Mr. Beans is a great companion and brother to Mocha. They have a wonderful time playing together. He is a fantastic cuddle bug and loves nothing more than snuggling up with any member of the family.

Benefits of rescuing?

Both of the dogs we adopted had been abandoned as puppies. They were left with no food, shelter or anyone to care for them. I cannot imagine how something like that could happen, as they certainly do not deserve it. They have provided my family with unconditional love and honestly made us complete.

Humane Society in late 2017" and was adopted by a family in January 2018. It’s hard to imagine but Neller was returned to Pope in August of 2022, 4 ½ years after living with his first family here.

How did you meet at the photo shoot?

The owners of Allen Wayside, Jen and Doug Abrams, insisted that I come down to the showroom to meet Neller during the photo shoot. He was such a handsome, mellow and easy-going boy. They just thought he’d be perfect for me!

What made you decide to adopt him?

My husband and I have always adopted dogs, and we lost our 14-year-old dog at the beginning of Covid. We were finally ready to get another when I met Neller.

What do you love most about Neller?

He is a love bug and a people dog. He loves to ride in the car and loves to go camping. And the best thing about Neller? Well, everything is the best thing with him.

Benefits of rescuing?

We rescue the older dogs because they seem to appreciate our lowkey household. And we get the benefit of a mostly trained dog.

Did he easily adapt to his new home?

Well, yes and no! He created his own doggie door by somehow knocking the glass out of the sidelight of our front door. Apparently, he was used to having full-time access to a yard in his previous home. Neller now comes to work with me every day. He loves the ride and all the people at work. And he’s a bit spoiled with his very own chair in my office so he can gaze out the window.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I think Neller would make a great doggie model. He loves to wear clothes, and this Northern climate is definitely too cold for his southern roots!