TORONTO — CBC's new docuseries "Must Love Dogs" presents a unique blend of heartfelt dog rescue missions intertwined with elements of reality television, drawing an unexpected connection to the wildly unconventional dating show "MILF Manor." The series is led by Canadian couple Brady Oliveira, a CFL running back, and Alex Blumberg, a realtor, who dedicate their spare time to rescuing stray dogs in Manitoba, racing against the impending winter to save as many as possible.
The genesis of "Must Love Dogs" stems from a serendipitous encounter with producers from "MILF Manor." Oliveira and Blumberg were engaged in a rescue mission in La Paz, Mexico, where they found a severely malnourished dog wandering the streets. During their stay at a hotel, Oliveira brought this dog into the lobby, catching the attention of some TV producers also stationed there. They engaged in conversation, during which Oliveira shared his profession and their shared commitment to dog rescue.
Oliveira recalls the producers’ reaction, stating, “What you’re telling me right now sounds like a TV show.” They expressed that the couple's wholesome mission was a refreshing departure from the sensational content of reality TV, which helped catalyze the development of "Must Love Dogs." One of those producers, John Hall, ultimately contributed to the show through Omnifilm Entertainment, based in Vancouver.
Premiering on CBC Gem, the 10-episode series juxtaposes the couple's hectic lives with their commitment to rescue work. Blumberg manages her real estate business while Oliveira is preparing for a comeback season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, following a disappointing outcome in the previous finals. This balancing act is complicated further by their growing household of rescued dogs, creating both chaotic and touching moments throughout the series.
The couple's background in rescue work is rich. Blumberg operated a Vancouver-based organization with her sister, while Oliveira volunteered with the Winnipeg-based K9 Advocacy group, which often collaborated with Blumberg’s operation for dog adoptions. Their mutual passion for animal welfare catalyzed their relationship, allowing them to work effectively together on rescue missions.
Throughout each episode, viewers experience their urgent and often messy missions, such as crawling under sheds to rescue sick puppies or welcoming strays like Stella, who arrives pregnant with ten puppies. The series addresses the larger issue of dog overpopulation in Manitoba and northern Canada, where many communities suffer from limited veterinary care, making it difficult to control dog populations through sterilization.
Blumberg highlights the challenges faced by these northern communities, describing the alarming number of homeless dogs and cats that endure harsh weather conditions without adequate shelter or care. The show's production crew was reportedly taken aback by the scale of the crisis, prompting hopes that the series can inspire changes in veterinary access and spay-and-neuter initiatives in these regions.
Oliveira and Blumberg stress the importance of community awareness and legislative support, calling for stricter laws regarding pet ownership and spaying/neutering protocols to prevent the overpopulation cycle from perpetuating. As they reflect on their rescues, they recount the profound impact of Stella, who gave birth on their living room couch, highlighting the chaos she brought to their lives while simultaneously providing fulfillment through her journey.
“Stella was a lot,” Blumberg recalls, "but she was also with us for so long, and we watched her puppies grow up." The couple humorously envisions a crossover between "Must Love Dogs" and "MILF Manor," playfully suggesting that Stella, as the mother of ten, could fit into such a narrative with her own wild backstory.
The Canadian Press first reported on this heartwarming production on April 20, 2026, showcasing how a chance encounter transformed into a meaningful platform for raising awareness about dog rescue and the pressing issue of overpopulation in northern Canadian communities.
