Meet Maggie, Rebel, and Bear, the Irish Setter trio behind Setterfrens LLC, inspiring children with stories of empathy, courage, and heartfelt adventure.
Three Dogs, One Life-Changing Moment
It began on a quiet afternoon, the kind that carries just enough stillness for reflection. As Gail Bagley rested in her home recovering from a long period of illness, three Irish Setters curled at her feet, Maggie, Rebel, and Bear. Their warmth, their steadiness, and the unspoken loyalty in the soft weight of their bodies created a moment she would later credit as life-altering. In that instant, she realized those three dogs weren’t just her companions. They were healers, teachers, and natural storytellers. And they were destined to share their gifts with the world.
That moment became the heartbeat of Setterfrens LLC, the children’s brand now helping young readers grow kinder, braver, and more connected, one story, one wagging tail, and one puppicino at a time.
Maggie: The Sparkling Pearl of Setterfrens
At just three years old, Maggie is the vibrant burst of energy who brings style, sparkle, and unexpected wisdom to the Setterfrens universe. Known lovingly as “the sassy one,” she struts through life with pearls draped around her collar and an irresistible diva flair that instantly charms children and adults alike.
But beneath the sass, Maggie is a healer.
“Maggie is the fourth Irish Setter I’ve owned, and she’s been with me through thick and thin,” Gail says. “She has such a caring nature despite her sass, and that’s what makes her such an important character.”
In the Setterfrens stories, including Meet the Pearls, Paws & Puppicinos , Adventures with Setterfrens (Book 1), Maggie becomes the thoughtful guide who gently teaches kids about empathy, patience, and the magic of having a kind heart, even when you’re a little dramatic. Her role is simple but powerful: she is the emotional compass of the trio.
Rebel: The Adventurer Who Leads With Courage
If Maggie is the pearl, Rebel is the spark. Energetic, curious, and endlessly enthusiastic, he brings movement and momentum to every adventure within the Setterfrens world. With his nose tilted toward new horizons, Rebel encourages children to embrace the unknown, one joyful leap at a time.
“Rebel reminds us life is about staying curious and never being afraid to take risks,” Gail explains. “He brings that spark of excitement that encourages others to join him.”
His stories, woven through the growing Setterfrens book series, offer kids a model for resilience and bravery. From taking the first step into unfamiliar territory to helping friends face their fears, Rebel teaches that adventure isn’t just about where you go. It’s about who you become along the way.
Bear: The Protector With a Giant Heart
Standing tall and strong, Bear is the gentle guardian of the Setterfrens trio. Though his size can seem imposing at first glance, his presence is pure comfort. He is strength without harshness, courage without bravado, a steadfast friend who reminds young readers that protection and kindness often go hand in hand.
“Bear is not just physically strong, he’s emotionally strong,” Gail says. “He’s the one who steps in when things get tough, reminding us we’re never alone.”
His role is especially moving in emotional story arcs and upcoming titles such as the winter adventure Boots, Blizzard & Holiday Surprise , Adventures with Setterfrens (Book 3), where Bear’s loyalty and resilience shine through every challenge the trio faces.
Storytelling With Heart: The Magic of Setterfrens
The power of Setterfrens lies in its authenticity. Maggie, Rebel, and Bear aren’t fictional constructs, they are living, breathing dogs whose real personalities form the foundation of the brand’s storytelling. Each wag, each adventure, and each quiet moment of love translates directly into life lessons for children.
Gail’s vision for Setterfrens LLC grew out of her own healing experience. Her dogs helped carry her through difficult seasons, offering companionship that needed no words. Through the brand, she now passes that same comfort and emotional support to children everywhere.
The result is a universe filled with warmth, humor, and genuine guidance. Themes of loyalty, courage, friendship, and emotional resilience are woven throughout stories like:
- Meet the Pearls, Paws & Puppicinos , Adventures with Setterfrens (Book 1)
- Boots, Blizzard & Holiday Surprise , Adventures with Setterfrens (Book 3)
- Setterfrens in the Sky: A Holiday Tail of Friendship & First Love (Book 4)
With each title, young readers discover that dogs aren’t just pets, they’re family, mentors, and magical companions who help kind hearts grow.
What’s Next for the Setterfrens Universe
The Setterfrens world is expanding faster than ever. Gail is developing interactive storytelling experiences, including FluentPet communication for Maggie, Rebel, and Bear, so children can engage with the trio in dynamic, deeply personal ways.
The brand is also building a growing lifestyle ecosystem through the Setterfrens Marketplace, offering apparel, mugs, socks, hats, and even specialty coffees and teas that bring the Setterfrens spirit into everyday routines.
Community events, dog parties, potential movie adaptations, and immersive adventures are also in development as Setterfrens continues its mission of helping children feel seen, supported, and inspired.
Through it all, the heart of the brand remains unchanged:
Helping Kind Hearts Grow , One Puppicino at a Time.
A Warm Invitation to Join the Setterfrens Family
If you’re ready to step into a world where empathy is celebrated, courage is contagious, and every adventure begins with a wagging tail, the Setterfrens family is waiting with open paws. Explore new stories, enjoy behind-the-scenes moments with Maggie, Rebel, and Bear, and become part of a movement dedicated to raising kinder, more confident kids.
The Setterfrens books are now available at Barnes & Noble®, so you can bring the adventure home today! Per Gail Bagley at Barnes & Noble, you can find the books on their website or in stores.
Discover more at the official Setterfrens website and connect with the growing community, where love, loyalty, and puppicinos are always on the menu.
