A heartwarming video is going viral in the United States after a man used a special “Adopt Me” backpack to help shelter dogs find loving homes. The creative idea captured by ABC News — highlights how simple acts of kindness and a bit of ingenuity can make a huge difference for animals waiting to be adopted.
Meet the Man Behind the Backpack
The man featured in the video is Bryan Reisberg, a filmmaker, pet influencer, and animal lover based in New York City. Reisberg has gained attention for using a specially designed backpack to carry shelter dogs around the city. The backpack has a bold “Adopt Me” label, making it impossible for passersby to ignore the cute pups inside.
Reisberg spends one day each week picking up a different dog from a shelter and bringing them along for a city adventure — with hopes of boosting the dog’s visibility and increasing their chances of getting adopted.
How the Backpack Idea Works
The viral video shows Reisberg navigating the hustle and bustle of NYC streets while the shelter dog peeks out of the “Adopt Me” backpack. Dogs ride subways, stroll through parks, and interact with curious onlookers — all while showcasing their playful personalities.
By placing the dogs front and center in public spaces, Reisberg’s adventures help potential adopters see what these pups are really like — not just how they look in a kennel photo. This real-world exposure helps make the dogs more relatable, friendly, and irresistible to anyone thinking about adding a pet to their family.
Immediate Community Impact
The videos Reisberg makes of these backpack hikes have quickly gone viral on social media. Viewers aren’t just sharing the clips — they’re falling in love with the dogs and often asking how they can help or adopt. While official adoption numbers from shelters are still rolling in, the increased attention has undeniably boosted interest in shelter pets.
Reisberg isn’t out there just for fun — he’s on a mission to change perceptions about shelter dogs. Too often, animals that are loving, friendly, and eager for attention get overlooked in kennels because photos and brief bios just can’t capture their personality. But seeing a dog enjoy life out in the world — whether on the subway or in Central Park — can melt hearts fast.
More Than Just a Fun Trend
While some people might think taking dogs on city adventures is just a lighthearted trend, animal welfare experts say exposure like this really matters. Shelters often struggle to get dogs adopted simply because potential owners don’t see the animals’ true personalities. By giving shelter dogs the chance to shine outside of a kennel, Reisberg’s backpack outings are breaking through that barrier and showing the world just how lovable these pups are.
This kind of creative outreach also brings awareness to the broader issue of shelter overcrowding and the importance of adoption over buying from breeders or stores. Seeing happy, adoptable dogs in action encourages compassionate choices that save lives.
A New Model for Dog Adoption Awareness
Reisberg’s efforts show how one person with creativity and compassion can make an outsized impact. His weekly backpack outings have become a favorite topic online, inspiring others around the country — from volunteers to pet lovers — to promote adoption in new and engaging ways.
Whether it’s dogs taking the subway, meeting new people, or simply enjoying a long walk through the city, these backpack adventures show the world that every shelter dog has a lovable personality waiting to be discovered.
What You Can Do to Help
If you’re moved by the viral backpack videos, there are ways you can help too:
✔ Visit your local shelter and spend time with animals waiting for homes
✔ Share shelter dogs’ posts on social media
✔ Volunteer to walk or foster pets
✔ Support local rescue organizations with donations or supplies
What started as one man’s creative idea to help dogs find forever homes might inspire a nationwide shift in how we think about animal adoption — and that’s the real story behind the viral backpack.
