Shannen Doherty, 52, is a ‘Horse Protector’ Who May Form a New Foundation For Animal Protection– Keeping Her Passions Going In Hard Times

Doherty, who is also healing from divorce, also pointed out their shared activism and love for dogs and their work against “high-kill shelters.”

“We have a lot of fires in the oven right now,” she teased, audibly mulling over the newly-sparked idea.

Doherty’s Dedication to Animals

Though the former Beverly Hills, 90210 actress noted earlier in the episode how many wonderful foundations there are out there, Doherty debated the allocation of resources from some of the more questionable groups, saying she is “always amazed at home much money is spent on administration, salaries, as opposed to the bulk of the money going towards the animals.”

Talking about her work in other countries with seals and in Taiji, Japan fighting to protect dolphins, she said she felt that there was only progress being made when she was physically present.

“I’m a firm believer with sticking with the campaign until you get the result that you want.”

Doherty pointed out the “horrific” things happening in The Cove in Taiji with dolphin slaughter for money.

Finding Her Own Voice

While Doherty has been a constant active voice for animals, she admittedly has not stood up for herself over the years. and has been addressing some of the past rumors that have been swirling around the media for some time.

“I think I’m at that point of my life where I don’t want to keep lying about something,” she told Combs.

Not that she was lying but she admits she was allowing it to happen by being quiet, until now.

“Now, at my age, and dealing with stage 4 cancer, I just don’t feel like I have to keep telling a lie,” she expanded on not addressing some of the narratives. “I feel like it’s okay to be honest.”

Then, during an experience on The Kelly Clarkson Show released Wednesday, she spoke further about life and how difficult it has been for her behind the scenes, but it finally seeing a little light.

 

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“I’m enjoying my time it’s been a very hard year for me and it was very devastating to go through,” Doherty said as she and Clarkson discussed single life after divorce.

“But I rolled over and cuddled with my dog in bed,” Doherty added of what’s been bringing her comfort.

“She has priority over my bed,” she added with a big smile.

Animals and Healing

Animals can undoubtedly improve our quality of life, and that can especially be true for people living with cancer like Doherty. Though Doherty has long been a voice for animals even before cancer, her deep passion gives her something to focus on and put her heart into each and every day. We often need to keep going, and there have been studies showing the power of passion affecting the outcome of your disease.

Jane Kopelman, who heads Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s canine program, Caring Canines, discussed some of the benefits of pet therapy in a previous interview with SurvivorNet.

“What most patients say, and studies have proven, is that the dogs reduce anxiety, reduce depression, and they give people a sense of hope–they often motivate people,” Kopelman said. “Patients have said that they were so eager to have the dogs come that it motivated them to get up.”

What Are the Benefits of Pet Therapy?

Along with horses and dogs, the Memphis native, who resides in Malibu, has dedicated posts over the years to owls, wolves, koalas, tigers and giraffes on her feed.

Related: ‘Nothing Makes Me Happier Than My 4-legged Kids!’ How Pet Therapy Brings Comfort to Cancer Patients

The ‘Horse Protector’

Last month, Doherty shared an Instagram Story from Believe Ranch and Rescue, showing moving footage of the beautiful horses they have been helping with Doherty’s assistance.

“Remember the blind horse and her protector? They are now safe!” the non-profit wrote. Two more lives saved all thanks to the amazing @theshando who funded their rescue fees!!”

You Can ‘Enjoy Your Life,’ Even with Cancer 

“Our horses free humans from worry, anxiety, and depression. Working together, their ability to love and trust is restored,” the rescue’s mission statement reads.

Doherty’s Breast Cancer Journey

Shannen Doherty was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 after she found a lump in her breast. She underwent hormone therapy, a single mastectomy, which removes the breast tissue from one breast, along with chemotherapy and radiation.

In 2017, she showed no evidence of disease. The actress remained in remission for two years until it unfortunately came back in 2019 as metastatic, or stage 4 cancer.

Then in January, Doherty announced the cancer had spread to her brain and she was undergoing radiation.

RELATED: Metastatic Breast Cancer — You Are Not a Statistic

Last month, Doherty announced that the cancer had spread to her bones, but shared that her spirits are high and she’s not giving up. She hopes to participate in clinical trials in the near future as they become available to her.

“People just assume that it means you can’t walk, you can’t eat, you can’t work. They put you out to pasture at a very early age — ‘You’re done, you’re retired,’ and we’re not,” she said in a cover interview for PEOPLE. “We’re vibrant, and we have such a different outlook on life. We are people who want to work and embrace life and keep moving forward.”

Stage 4 breast cancer is incurable, so at this stage, the goal is to keep the patient as comfortable as possible, slow the cancer growth and overall, improve your quality of life — and Doherty intends to be doing just that, especially while focusing on her love for animals.

 

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