In the relentless rush of New York City—where millions hustle to work, subway cars rumble past, and pedestrians blur along crowded sidewalks—something delightfully unexpected has been happening: shelter dogs are finding forever homes thanks to one man’s creativity, compassion, and a specially designed backpack.

What seems like a quirky social media stunt at first glance has become a deeply meaningful conduit for change, connecting adoptable dogs with open hearts in the city that never sleeps.

At the center of this heart‑warming phenomenon is Bryan Reisberg, a 37‑year‑old filmmaker and entrepreneur whose life already revolved around dogs—most notably his beloved corgi, Maxine. Maxine isn’t just a pet; she’s a kind of canine celebrity.

For years, Reisberg had been posting videos of her tucked into a backpack while commuting through New York City, amassing millions of views and a dedicated following on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. That adorable pair, often seen navigating subway cars or strolling through Central Park, garnered a fan base so vast that people would do a double‑take simply at the sight of a dog smiling out from a carrier.

Then a friend suggested something powerful: what if you took adoptable shelter dogs out for an adventure in that same backpack? What started as an experiment turned quickly into a movement.

In the months since Reisberg first put a shelter dog in his signature backpack and shared the experience online, 11 rescue dogs have gone on city outings—and 10 of them have been adopted into loving homes after their stories reached social media audiences.

That’s an astonishing success rate made possible not by coincidence, but by the emotional visibility these dogs receive when shown in natural, joyful moments outside of a kennel.

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The concept is deceptively simple, but its impact is profound. Reisberg partners with local rescue organizations—including Best Friends Animal Society and Animal Care Centers of New York City—to select dogs who have been waiting for “their person.”

Once a week, he picks up a dog, slips them into the custom‑built, veterinarian‑approved backpack, and they set off on a series of adventures: a stroll through Central Park, a subway ride to Union Square, a quick stop for a pup cup, maybe even a bit of toy shopping.

As Reisberg puts it, “If I need to go ride a Citi Bike with a dog in a backpack just so somebody wants to click on that video, comment on it, and share it to somebody else, great, let’s do it.”

That unpretentious approach underscores something deep—videos do more than entertain; they make real connections between dogs and people who might otherwise never have noticed them.

Viewers don’t just see a shelter dog; they see a personality, a canine capable of joy, curiosity, and companionship. They watch a dog’s eyes light up at the sounds and sights of the city, witness them interact with strangers along the sidewalk, or relax in their backpack like they finally feel safe.

These clips show animals not waiting in cages, but living, reacting, and engaging with the world. That emotional thread resonates in a way traditional shelter photos often cannot.

Reisberg’s creative idea also inspired the launch of an “Adventure Buddy” program by Best Friends Animal Society, encouraging other shelters to use similar experiential outings to help pets find homes.

The philosophy behind it is powerful: people adopt what they fall in love with, and dogs shown in authentic, joyful, social settings are easier to connect with than those static in kennels.

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A post shared by 🐶 Maxine the Fluffy Corgi (@madmax_fluffyroad)

For Reisberg, the mission has become personal. He didn’t set out to become an animal welfare influencer, but his passion for dogs and his skill as a storyteller collided in a way that has changed lives—of both the animals and the adopters.

He often points out that while the adoption stats are rewarding, the deeper transformation happens in small, often unseen moments: a dog’s hesitant wag that grows into confident tail wags, a stranger who stops to compliment a pup and leaves with a smile, or a new adopter sending updates about how a rescue dog has settled into their home.

And while the backpack rides through the city are the headline‑grabbing scenes, the real heartbeat of this work lies in the connection between humans and animals.

Rescue dogs are often among the most loving and loyal, yet the very thing that makes them vulnerable—their need for a second chance—is what makes their stories so compelling. When their personalities are revealed in an environment that feels fun and familiar, it becomes easier for people to envision them as part of a home.

There’s also a communal aspect to this journey. New Yorkers, usually known for brisk walks and guarded faces on crowded platforms, soften at the sight of a dog in a backpack.

Onlookers stop to pet the pups, share encouraging words, and in many cases, inquire about adoption. These interactions break down barriers—not just between strangers on the street, but between potential adopters and the dogs waiting for a home.

As Reisberg continues to document his rescue dog outings—now with millions of views across social platforms—he carries more than dogs in that backpack. He carries hope, connection, empathy, and a powerful reminder that rescuing an animal isn’t just an act of charity; it’s an opportunity for mutual healing.

Each adoption sparked by one of these outings is a story of transformation, reminding us that sometimes, all a dog needs to find a home is a little adventure and the chance to be seen.