Model Behavior: Gail Alexander

Nine years ago, Gail Alexander retired from a 44-year career in the insurance industry and began volunteering at YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee’s Weaver Domestic Violence Center. While her true desire was to open an animal shelter, her attorney suggested she start her endeavors in the nonprofit world. She chose the YWCA’s mission to end domestic violence for women and their families. Growing up in a family that loved animals, Gail couldn’t help but wonder what happened to the survivors’ pets when they came into the emergency shelter. Her new mission quickly became clear — keeping domestic violence survivors and their pets together. Or as she will tell you, “keeping the family unit together.”

Gail credits her love and passion for animals to her mother, Abbie Wallace. Abbie’s Safe Home, a pet-friendly shelter on the campus of the Weaver center, started three years ago with an initial investment from Gail and her family. Before Abbie died, she asked Gail to dedicate some of the money from her will to help build the shelter. Gail honored her wish, and Abbie’s Safe Home, named in her mother’s honor, has been a valuable resource ever since.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 52% of women in shelters leave their pets with their abusers, because most shelters do not accept pets. The staff at Abbie’s is trained to work with traumatized animals, many of whom come in unvaccinated or injured. 

Gail has been a board member for seven years and credits YWCA Nashville president and CEO Sharon Roberson as her mentor. “Gail is the bomb!” Roberson is quick to say. “When your passion meets a purpose, your gifts are amplified in the community. We would not have Abbie’s Safe Home without Gail Alexander.” 

The feeling is mutual. “Due to Sharon’s incredible leadership, the employees, volunteers and the board, we are making a difference in Tennessee,” says Gail. “Not as much as we’d like, but more families and victims are safe, now building a successful life for themselves and their families — including their pets.”

Dress: Buru (Dillard’s)

Earrings: Cindi Earl Fine Jewelry

Bracelet: Model’s own

Shoes: Alex Marie