Winnipeg’s Brady Oliveira and Alex Blumberg Bring Real-Life Dog Rescue Journey to Television in New Series “Must Love Dogs”

Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira is stepping into a different kind of spotlight—one far removed from packed stadiums and football playoffs. Alongside his partner, rescue influencer Alex Blumberg, he is now bringing his deeply personal and emotionally charged rescue work to television in a new docuseries titled Must Love Dogs.

The series offers viewers an unfiltered look into the couple’s ongoing mission to save, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs in need. Far from a staged or scripted reality format, the show is rooted in their real-life experiences as animal rescuers who have dedicated years to responding to emergency calls, coordinating fosters, and helping neglected or abandoned dogs find safe, loving homes.

Over time, Oliveira and Blumberg have played a role in rescuing thousands of dogs through their network of volunteers, shelters, and community support systems. Their work often involves urgent situations—stray animals in dangerous conditions, overcrowded shelters, or dogs requiring immediate medical attention. The series captures not only the rescues themselves but also the emotional toll and responsibility that comes with them.

What makes Must Love Dogs particularly compelling is its balance between two very different worlds. On one hand, viewers see Brady Oliveira as a professional athlete navigating the demands of the CFL season, training schedules, injuries, and the pressure of performance with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. On the other hand, they witness his life at home—filled with foster dogs, late-night rescue calls, and the unpredictable nature of animal rescue work.

Alex Blumberg’s role in the series is equally central. As a rescue advocate and influencer, she brings experience in coordinating rescues, managing rehabilitation processes, and working closely with adopters. Together, the pair manage a continuous flow of foster dogs while ensuring each animal receives proper care, attention, and a pathway toward adoption.

The series highlights the full rescue journey—from initial emergency response and medical treatment to fostering, rehabilitation, and finally, adoption into forever homes. Each episode focuses on different cases, showing both the challenges and the small victories that define rescue work. Some stories are uplifting, while others are difficult, reflecting the reality of animal welfare work in Manitoba and beyond.

Beyond the emotional storytelling, Must Love Dogs also emphasizes community involvement. The series showcases volunteers, foster families, veterinarians, and rescue organizations who play a critical role in sustaining these efforts. It underlines how large-scale rescue operations are never the work of just two people, but rather a collective effort driven by compassion and persistence.

For Brady Oliveira, the series also adds a deeply personal layer to his public image. Known primarily for his athletic achievements, he is also widely recognized in Winnipeg for his commitment to animal welfare. This series brings that side of his life into a broader public view, showing fans a different kind of dedication—one rooted in empathy rather than competition.

The show is currently streaming on CBC Gem, with episodes being released weekly. Early reactions highlight its emotional depth and authenticity, particularly its willingness to show both the rewarding and difficult aspects of rescue work without dramatization.

At its core, Must Love Dogs is more than just a television series. It is a reflection of a growing movement around animal rescue awareness and adoption advocacy in Canada. It encourages viewers to consider fostering, adopting, or supporting local rescue organizations, while also shedding light on the realities faced by animals in need.

Through powerful storytelling and real-life experiences, Brady Oliveira and Alex Blumberg have created a series that blends heart, hardship, and hope—reminding audiences that every rescued dog carries a story worth telling, and every act of compassion can change a life.