Phelps is the owner of Hopeful Hearts, a canine rescue organization that helps dogs that no other place will.

There’s the story of a man who doused himself, his wife and his two dogs in gasoline and was going to set them all on fire before the police intervened. There’s the story of a man who brought a dog to an empty field, told him to stay and left him there before the dog was found three days later after having a seizure. There’s a story of Findlay, a dog that had torn out most of his fur because he was itching so badly, and was so mangy, it was hard to tell what type of dog he was and how old he was.

That’s just three of the many stories that Phelps can tell, but the one she treasures the most has to do with the 57 dogs they have helped and adopted out since the organization began last year.

“It’s a really happy story, because we bring in dogs no one else wants,” she said. “They’re missing a leg, they’re blind, they’re deaf, they had a seizure. Fifty-seven dogs in a year. That’s wicked.”

Because the group is non-profit, Phelps is hoping an upcoming fundraiser can help offset some of the costs.

Residents can get their pets’ photo take with Santa Claus for $10 on Nov. 29. It will take place at the Trend-Arlington Community Centre at 50 Bellman Dr. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This will be the first time this fundraiser will be held in Nepean, although it was held in Carleton Place last year.

Hopeful Hearts pays for the vet bills, food, medication and spaying/neutering the dogs. The costs can be thousands of dollars depending on the work that needs to be done.

Originally, Phelps thought she would be able to help out one dog a month, but the need for a service like this has taken off.

“I have a particular love for the underdog, no pun intended,” said Phelps.

To donate, adopt a dog or for more information on Hopeful Hearts or the fundraiser, visit http://hopefulhearts.ca.

tcollins@nepeanthisweek.com