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- How a subway Corgi became the spark for a pet adoption movement
- Backpack rescue: the model that’s helping dogs get adopted
- Bertha’s journey: a city stroll that led to a forever home
- Voices from the rescue community and public response
- What shelters, volunteers, and advocates can learn from the campaign
- How people can support shelter dogs featured in campaigns
A Corgi poking its head out of a backpack turned a routine subway ride into a feel-good moment for strangers — and that tiny, unexpected joy grew into a full-blown campaign to get homeless dogs out of shelters and into homes. What began as playful city outings with a beloved pet has become a creative adoption engine that uses social media, storytelling, and a single backpack labeled “Adopt Me.”
New Yorkers now spot a man carrying a happy dog through neighborhoods and transit stations, but those walks are more than Instagram fodder: they’re carefully planned showcases designed to help shelter dogs find families. The result has been a wave of adoptions, a spike in public interest, and millions of views for videos that show dogs being seen — literally — in a new light.
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Bryan Reisberg first noticed how much joy his own dog, Maxine, could spread on crowded commutes. Passengers who were silent and hurried would crack smiles when they saw a corgi’s face peeking out from a backpack. Reisberg began filming those encounters and sharing them online, and the short clips quickly found a global audience.
That early popularity led Reisberg to leave his job and launch a business around the idea: a line of dog-carrying backpacks branded Little Chonk. Friends and animal advocates encouraged him to use his platform for something bigger than product sales, and the plan to promote shelter dogs in the same signature pack was born.
Backpack rescue: the model that’s helping dogs get adopted
Reisberg teamed up with Best Friends Animal Society to trial a weekly program. The routine is simple but effective:
- Reisberg collects a shelter dog and fits it into a specially outfitted backpack with a clear “Adopt Me” label.
- He films the dog around the city — on sidewalks, in parks, on the subway — capturing authentic moments that show personality and charm.
- The clips are edited and shared across social platforms with professional production touches to boost visibility and engagement.
The approach has produced impressive reach: his content has amassed more than 75 million views, and the program’s track record has been notable. So far, Reisberg has featured 11 shelter dogs in the backpack project; all but one have been adopted, while one remains in need of treatment for a long-term medical issue. Best Friends reports that overall adoptions at the partner shelter rose by roughly 100 dogs compared with the same period last year — a tangible sign the idea is working.
Why the backpack strategy resonates
- Visibility: Dogs that might be overlooked in kennels get seen in everyday city life.
- Relatability: Clips show dogs interacting with real people and environments, helping potential adopters imagine life with them.
- Shareability: Short, emotional videos are ideal for social feeds and encourage rapid spreading.
Bertha’s journey: a city stroll that led to a forever home
One standout story from the campaign involves Bertha, a sturdy 6-year-old white dog who added about 65 pounds to Reisberg’s backpack during a day out in Queens. Bertha’s video showed her riding the train, receiving plenty of sloppy kisses, and wandering through neighborhood streets with a calm, friendly presence.
The clip quickly drew warm reactions online; commenters pictured lines of prospective adopters and urged quick action. A short time later, Reisberg announced that Bertha had been welcomed by a family on Long Island — a large home and a new life waiting for her. Posts celebrating the adoption were filled with affection and relief from followers who had watched Bertha’s journey unfold.
Voices from the rescue community and public response
Staff at Best Friends Animal Society say Reisberg’s visits are more than publicity stunts. Julie Castle, the organization’s CEO, describes the program as a morale booster for shelter teams and credits the social media exposure with increasing adoption interest.
Online, reactions tend to be emotional and enthusiastic. Followers regularly share comments about shedding “happy tears,” urging others to adopt, and praising the work that brings attention to dogs who have been waiting for homes for months.
What shelters, volunteers, and advocates can learn from the campaign
The project offers several takeaways for organizations looking to boost adoption rates and public awareness:
- Tell a story: Short, well-produced videos that highlight a dog’s personality drive engagement more than static photos.
- Show dogs in context: Images of pets in daily-life scenarios help potential adopters envision companionship.
- Leverage partnerships: Collaborating with influencers or creators who have existing audiences multiplies outreach.
- Be strategic with timing: Regular weekly features keep attention consistent and give multiple dogs a chance to be seen.
How people can support shelter dogs featured in campaigns
There are simple ways the public can help when a dog is spotlighted in an outreach program:
- Share posts to expand reach and connect the dog with more potential adopters.
- Consider fostering to open shelter space and provide temporary homes for more animals.
- Volunteer time or donate to local rescues to sustain outreach efforts and medical care.
- If ready, adopt — meet the dog and follow shelter guidance to ensure a good match.
Social media can amplify a single day in the life of a dog into a life-changing opportunity. For the dogs that ride in that signature backpack, a short outing can mean the difference between staying behind bars in a kennel and stepping into a new family home.
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Michael Thompson is an experienced journalist covering U.S. and global news. With ten years on the front lines, he breaks down political and economic stories that matter. His precise writing and keen attention to detail help you grasp the real‑world impact of every event.
Man, those shelter dogs in backpacks are the cutest thing ever! Its like a mobile adoption center, spreading love all over the city. Whoever thought of this deserves a medal. Lets get those pups some forever homes, folks!
Oh man, totally agree with you on that one! Those shelter pups in backpacks are like little furry ambassadors of love, spreading joy wherever they go. Whoever came up with this idea deserves a round of ap-paws, for sure! Let’s hope those cuties find their forever homes soon. Time to spread the woof!
I once saw a pup in a backpack and thought it was just a cute sight. But then I heard the story, how its helping dogs find homes, and my heart melted. Who knew a simple stroll could change lives?
Man, seeing those shelter dogs in backpacks around the city is like a feel-good movie come to life. Its like a real-life version of those heartwarming pet adoption stories you see online. Gotta love when creativity meets compassion!
Dude, those pups in backpacks are like the stars of their own mini adventure flick, right? Its like watching a live-action version of those tear-jerking pet rescue vids that flood your feed. Totally agree, creativity mixed with a whole lotta heart makes for some seriously good vibes!
Man, that backpack idea for shelter dogs is pure genius! Reminds me of when my grandma used to carry her tiny dog in a purse everywhere. Dogs in backpacks, who wouldve thought? Hope those pups find loving homes!
Man, I remember when my neighbors corgi went missing. We were all scrambling to find her. This backpack idea is genius for getting these doggos noticed. Hope they all find loving homes!
Man, I remember when my pup was looking for a home. This backpack idea is genius! Its like a furry parade, spreading love and hope. Who wouldnt wanna adopt after seeing those cute faces peepin out?
Man, I remember when I first saw a pup in a backpack. Thought it was just a cute gimmick, but hey, if it helps them find homes, why not? Anything for those wagging tails!
Hey, I remember seeing that viral subway Corgi! Carrying shelter dogs in backpacks around the city is genius. Its like a furry billboard for adoption. Who could resist those puppy eyes peeping out? Its a real-life heart-tugger!
Man, I remember when my buddys Corgi in a backpack went viral! Such a smart move using that to get shelter dogs adopted. People love cute pups, especially on a city stroll. Hope it keeps working for more doggos!
Man, I remember when I first saw a doggo in a backpack strolling around the city. Thought it was a fashion statement, but turns out its a whole movement to get these pups adopted! Backpacks: not just for books anymore.
Man, those shelter dogs in backpacks are like tiny superheroes spreading love everywhere. Its like a real-life doggy parade, but with a heartwarming mission. Who knew a simple stroll could change lives?
Oh man, those dogs in backpacks are like the real MVPs, spreading love like confetti at a party! Its like an impromptu doggy parade, but with a side of heartwarming feels. Who knew a casual stroll could pack such a punch, right? Its like theyre on a secret mission to brighten up everyones day!
Man, I remember when I saw a pupper strolling around town in a backpack. Thought it was a fashion statement at first, but turns out theyre helping shelter dogs find homes. Thats some next-level cuteness with a purpose, yknow?
Man, what a pawsome idea! I remember when I adopted my dog, it was a total game-changer. Seeing these shelter pups struttin around town in backpacks to find homes? Pure genius. Lets get those tails waggin!
I remember when I saw this one chonky corgi in a backpack on the subway. People were losing it, man! Now seeing shelter dogs getting the same treatment to find homes? Thats some heartwarming stuff right there. Hope they all find their forever peeps.
Dang, thats some wholesome stuff right there! Its like a real-life fairytale, but instead of a prince in a tower, its a bunch of furry buddies looking for their happily ever after. Its like the subways turned into a pet adoption party! Who knew public transport could be so heartwarming, huh?
Man, I remember when I first saw a pup in a backpack at the subway. Thought it was a prank, but now its a legit movement! Who knew a Corgi in a backpack could start such a heartwarming trend?
Back in my day, we just put up a sign in the neighborhood or relied on word of mouth. Now theyre strapping pooches in backpacks for a city stroll? Well, if it helps those furballs find homes, count me in!
Back in my day, we didnt need fancy backpacks for our pets – a good ol sign did the trick! But hey, if its helping those cute furballs find forever homes, why not hop on the trend train, right? Who knows, maybe youll end up with a pup in your backpack too!