Brady Oliveira genuinely has a passion for rescuing dogs anywhere in the world.
That’s a major reason why he and his girlfriend Alex Blumberg headed to Bali in mid-January for multiple months during the offseason. After one of the most productive seasons by a running back in CFL history, instead of rumbling through defences Oliveira’s rumbling around finding and saving dogs, lots of them puppies.
“Bali has been great. Training and rubbing in the heat is what my body needs. I always feel like I’m in the best shape of my life, that’s why the last three offseasons I have been in warmer climates for two months,” the reigning Most Oustanding Canadian said.
“When I go on these trips, I plan it around rescue missions. Helping a ton of dogs out here and supporting locals who are doing it every single day. My girlfriend and I have already raised $15,000 and counting. Every last dollar goes to the dogs, veterinarians and organizations plus unsung heroes that help support the dogs daily.”
Oliveira’s most miraculous dog rescue to date came when his driver somehow heard cries from a bush. The group stopped quickly, followed the sound and dug around feverishly. About 30 minutes later, Coco was found. She looked nearly dead from being paralyzed by a blood parasite and two weeks later began walking again while rehabilitating at the couples’ villa.
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“It was a miracle we found her. Definitely feeds the soul. We try and do our part with our platforms to help as many dogs and people that are doing daily work,” Oliveira said.
“Getting people to reach out to their local shelters can help, going to socialize with dogs plus taking them for a walk and adopting can help. Consider adding a dog into your life from a shelter that truly needs a home.”
Last year in Bali, Oliveira met a 12-year-old named Mia who he calls a ‘walking angel’ for her dog rescue work. Her dad played in the KHL which provided a pro-athlete connection with Mia’s family. She opened her own place called ‘Mia Healing Sanctuary‘ with a mission to help Bali dogs, with 80 rescues and counting.
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There’s a local lady named Eta Kadek who Oliveira met last year. She regularly goes to a local cemetery, which has essentially become a dumping ground for dogs, to feed homeless and sick canines. Kadek has a shelter with 30 to 40 dogs where Oliveira delivers bags of dog food while helping nourish the animals.
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The Bali rescue dog crew Oliveira and Blumberg have developed has planned an adoption event at a local cafe with Mia and another rescuer from Germany. That group has been working to set up sterilization clinics in local villages with their goal of paying for 150 dogs to get fixed.
“That’s how you manage this problem, by sterilization. If everyone spayed and neutered their pets, then we wouldn’t have this issue. I understand being in a third-world country right now that money can be tight, so that’s where we want to help locals and their pets,” Oliveira said.
Oliveira and his girlfriend have been helping The Dogs of Bali rescue group by funding veterinary bills and helping pay down other expenses associated with saving animals. There are a handful of dogs staying at the couples’ villa being cared for in hopes they can be adopted.
All this as the best Canadian running back plots his pro football future. He’ll enter the CFL’s negotiating window and potentially free agency from halfway around the world. He’s being patient as it’s unfolding, knowing his worth and trusting a decision will become clear. Perhaps Oliveira’s dog rescue efforts continue in Winnipeg or he will take his talents and passion to a new CFL city.
