Written by Rhiannon Frater
PBS film highlights dogs’ role in advancing cancer care for humans
Shelter Me: The Cancer Pioneers has been honored with two Daytime Emmy Award nominations: Outstanding Daytime Special and Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Non-Fiction Program. These honors celebrate the film’s mission to inspire resilience among cancer patients and caregivers while shedding light on the surprising role dogs play in shaping the future of cancer treatment.
A Powerful Story of Hope and Science
Now streaming for free on the PBS website, Shelter Me: The Cancer Pioneers introduces viewers to a deeply personal and emotional look at medical research. The documentary shares the experiences of dogs with cancer who are taking part in clinical trials and receiving leading-edge immunotherapy treatments.
At the center of the film is the field of comparative oncology, where doctors and veterinarians study cancer across species to improve care for both animals and people. The documentary follows researchers, patients, and families involved in this work, spotlighting how their efforts may help advance options for human cancer treatment in the future.
More than a story about science, the film becomes a portrait of collaboration and devotion. By following the intertwined journeys of people and their pets, it reveals how cross-species research not only advances medicine but also deepens our understanding of what it means to care for one another.
Recognition from the Daytime Emmys
“This film is one of the most uplifting and consequential stories we’ve shared,” said Steven Latham, Creator and Producer of the Shelter Me series. “Through their courage and loyalty, these dogs are helping us unlock a better future for human cancer patients.”The film offers viewers a look inside respected institutions such as the National Cancer Institute, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and several top universities. Along the way, the audience meets people like Serena Sabuda de La Fé, a seven-time cancer survivor whose journey provides an emotional anchor throughout the documentary. Her story serves as a reminder of the strength that lives at the intersection of science, love, and determination.
A Message That Resonates
For patients, medical professionals, animal lovers, and caregivers, Shelter Me: The Cancer Pioneers offers a message of courage, compassion, and possibility. It encourages viewers to consider how acts of care, whether in a lab or at a veterinary clinic, can ripple outward and make a lasting impact. This accessible and moving film is a must-watch for anyone seeking stories that matter.
It’s part of the acclaimed Shelter Me series, which has previously featured hosts such as John Legend, Jane Goodall, Kristen Bell, Jon Hamm, and Edie Falco.
You can watch Shelter Me: The Cancer Pioneers for free now or learn more via the official press release.
