Where Rescued Pups Learn to Shine
By Susan Spisak
DDN recently introduced the first Hometown Hero Awards, a program honoring extraordinary dogs and the people who make a difference in communities across Maine. In our September edition, we announced that we received four heartfelt nominations, and that we’d recognize each individually. That issue highlighted our first Honoree. In this and the coming editions, we’ll share remaining stories and invite readers to join us in celebrating their service. Please continue sending nominations—we may feature more inspiring Hometown Heroes in future issues.
The second Hero Honoree is a passionate, dedicated foster for the South Portland-based Almost Home Rescue, AHR, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit that serves New England. AHR is dedicated to saving lives and finding forever homes for stray, abandoned, and surrendered dogs, most of whom are from southern high kill shelters. AHR’s President Meredith Oestreicher nominated Gail Bacheller of Clinton—she has fostered 104 pups for them, and the 105th, Alabama born Reina, is currently at Gail’s home learning the ropes of being a good pup!
REINA – PHOTO CREDIT SABA’S PHOTOGRAPHY
“Gail began fostering in May of 2016, and in her 10 years she has fostered 105 dogs. She is one of our go-to's for puppy fosters and her own past and present personal dogs (all AHR alums) have served as excellent mentors, so Gail's dogs should also be considered Hometown Heroes,” said Meredith.
GAIL – PHOTO COURTESY OF ALMOST HOME RESCUE
She went on to explain that AHR is incredibly lucky to have many repeat adopters, and it's never a surprise when they connect the dots and realize that Gail was the foster along the way. “We have even had adopters who are waiting for a pup to come north and request that Gail be the foster, now that tells you something!”
Meredith said Gail genuinely cares and loves each one, even the tough ones. “Some are harder to let go than others, but she knows that with every pup who lands on her loving launchpad, there is another one waiting to be saved. She throws in her heart and her soul time and time again; she is selfless and keeps her focus on her fosters finding their forever homes.”
Gail, who is humbled by being an Honoree, began fostering after a persistent friend encouraged her to try it. Though she was hesitant at first, retirement and widowhood left her open to the idea. “Next thing you know, I’m driving to pick up two puppies,” Gail laughed. Those first puppies from Mississippi were special to Gail, and they quickly became friends with the resident dog, a 3-year-old Setter named Keeli. They were adopted into separate homes, but one of those pups named Gypsy became Gail’s favorite story.
PHOTO OF GYPSY
A few days after Gypsy went to her new home, Gail learned she had run away. She and a few friends drove almost eighty miles to search for her. It wasn’t a difficult task: “All of a sudden, Gypsy comes walking out of the woods. She was looking for Keeli.” Since the adoption didn’t work out, AHR asked Gail if she would foster Gypsy again. Her answer was immediate, “No. But I will adopt her.” (That smart, pretty girl, now 10 years old, hit the jackpot when she adopted her. Gail dotes on her and makes sure she has plenty of time to swim, play, and run.)
Gail fosters the puppies because she treasures them and enjoys collaborating with the dedicated, compassionate team at AHR. She admitted she gets attached to the pups as soon as they arrive, but she understands how important her role is in their lives. As puppies can be, there’s been a few who are very rambunctious, “Some I can’t wait for them to leave,” she chuckled. Others I need tissues.” But another one stole her heart, and she failed a second time in 2024 with Black Lab Aayla. The almost three-year-old Lab fits right into her home. (Gail said her precious girl runs like a deer and enjoys a dip in the river on their morning walks.)
Once a pup is placed with her, she has specific goals. Gail attempts to housebreak them, have them come when called, and sit when asked. She doesn’t want to fully school them as she believes the training process builds a relationship, “I want them to bond with whoever adopts them.” She has help from Gypsy and Aayla as they serve as role models and chums. (Sadly, Keeli crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2024, a few months after Aayla joined the pack.) But Meredith feels she’s being too modest, “We're not sure what kind of magic she has, but most of her dogs leave the house trained too.”
Gail understands that fostering and adoptions go hand in hand. Fosters are crucial to acclimate dogs to a loving home environment after often harsh shelter facilities. “Like they say if you don’t have fosters, you’re not going to have adoptions. Without fosters, they are just going to be euthanized.”
he admitted she would be upset if she read any of her foster’s backstories, so she doesn’t. “It’s a sad situation. All these puppies are guilty of are being born.” Gail said it’s rewarding to care for these little ones, so she’ll keep doing what she’s doing and open her heart and home to these bundles of joy, helping save lives, and prepping them for their forever homes.
Meredith said that Gail goes the extra mile with every pup and even stays in touch with adopters. Several send her holiday cards as well. On top of that, Gail keeps a scrapbook of every dog with pictures and cute little notes. But she added that Gail doesn't need a scrapbook. “She can tell you all about any of these 105 fosters right off the top of her head…Gail is truly evidence that angels walk among us.”
October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, so consider adopting if you’re ready and able to care for a new companion. If adopting isn’t right for you, consider fostering. They’re essential to rescues and shelters, giving dogs a safe, comfortable place to stay while they wait for their forever families.