Article content continued

Photo by Ashley Fraser

Exactly what breed or mix the puppies are is hard to pinpoint, she said. There may be a bit of boxer, mastiff or lab in them, Bolf said, noting some have brownish-black fur, while others are brindle.

Clover and Pearl will live with Bolf and her family, which includes a husband, two children and three dogs, for about five more weeks before they are given up for adoption.

In that time, the federal public servant — who does the dog rescue work on the side — hopes to house-train them, socialize them with children and other dogs, and take them to the vet to be dewormed, fixed and given all the necessary shots.

The dog rescues take the adoption process seriously, she said. Applicants must complete a detailed form, come in for a meet-and-greet with the dog and open their home to a visit from volunteers before a puppy is placed with a new family.

“We want to make sure their next step is their last step,” Bolf said.

Sad as she is to let a foster dog go sometimes, Bolf said it opens up space in her home for another dog in need of TLC.

“They have no one fighting for them. This is a way I can help,” she said.

The public can also help. Ottawa Dog Rescue is a registered charity that issues tax receipts for donations greater than $20. People can also call Algonquin Animal Hospital and make a donation towards the group’s account, as this is where Clover and Pearl will be seen.

The other organizations involved are Freedom Dog Rescue, New Beginnings Dog Rescue, Poet’s Vision Dog Rescue and Marshall’s Dog Rescue.

Cooperation appears to be key among the organizations, Bolf said.

“The more we work together, the more dogs are saved.”

mpearson@postmedia.com

twitter.com/mpearson78

Photo by Ashley Fraser

Photo by Ashley Fraser