A Man Took Rescue Dogs on Subway Rides, What Happened Next Changed Their Lives
What started as a corgi cruising through New York City has turned into something much bigger. Bryan Reisberg, a 37-year-old filmmaker and entrepreneur, is using his viral platform to help shelter dogs be seen and chosen, as CBS News reports. (Watch Video Above)
Known for carrying his own corgi around NYC in a backpack, Bryan has begun giving rescue pups their moment in the spotlight by taking them on subway adventures in a special backpack. Through joyful urban outings and heart-melting videos shared on, he’s opening hearts, changing perceptions, and helping homeless dogs find the families they deserve.
How One Backpack Is Changing Shelter Dogs’ Lives
What began as a simple idea has quickly turned into real-life happily ever afters. Since posting his first video diary with an adoptable dog earlier this summer, Bryan has helped 11 pups find forever homes by taking them on adventures.
He tells People that the joyful, behind-the-scenes videos he shares don’t just entertain, they actively help rescue organizations like Best Friends Animal Society get more eyes on their dogs and more adoptions through the door.
Bryan’s approach is refreshingly simple. He straps adoptable dogs into his backpack, takes them on Citi Bike rides, subway trips, and strolls through New York City, and lets their personalities shine.
“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,” remarks Bryan.
Turning Views Into Real Adoptions
The impact of Reisberg’s work is already being felt far beyond social media. Darryl Moore, senior manager of lifesaving programs at Best Friends Animal Society, says the collaboration has been nothing short of life-changing. “That collaboration has literally helped us save these dogs’ lives,” Moore shared.
Since Reisberg began showcasing shelter dogs in his signature backpack adventures in July, Best Friends has seen at least 100 more adoptions than this time last year. According to Moore, the videos allow people to see adoptable dogs as they truly are, not behind kennel doors, but out in the world, full of personality and joy.
For Reisberg, the success goes deeper than numbers. Every dog he meets is a reminder of how much potential is overlooked. “It’s wild to me that so many of these dogs don’t have loving families,” he says. “These are incredible pets, and I think that’s what people might not realize.”
And people are watching. Across platforms, Reisberg’s first six videos alone have racked up more than 75 million views, proving that when shelter dogs are seen, lives can change.
