New York Filmmaker Uses Subway Rides to Help Shelter Dogs Find Homes

Bryan Reisberg, a New York City filmmaker, started a unique initiative aimed at helping shelter dogs find homes. This effort began in 2015 when Bryan and his wife adopted a Corgi named Maxine. Working in advertising and film, Bryan routinely brought Maxine on his subway commutes, where he carried her in a backpack to comply with the city's rules requiring dogs to be enclosed.

Maxine’s face peeking over Bryan’s shoulder became a familiar sight on the train, often brightening the days of fellow commuters. Encouraged by the attention, Bryan began posting photos and videos of their subway rides on social media. These posts garnered more than 75 million views, instantly making Maxine an internet sensation known as "the dog in the backpack."

In 2025, Maxine developed arthritis, which forced her to pause her subway adventures. That’s when Chris Equale, a friend of Bryan’s, suggested they leverage Maxine’s popularity to assist shelter dogs. Embracing the idea, Bryan partnered with Best Friends Animal Society’s Pet Adoption Center in New York.

About once a week, Bryan straps a shelter dog into a carrier with an "Adopt Me" patch and takes them around New York City. He captures these outings on video and shares them with his millions of followers. Viewers witness the dog's personality shining through as they play in parks, enjoy treats, and interact with passersby.

"Shelters are loud, stressful environments that can make dogs appear anxious or withdrawn," Bryan explained. "Getting them out into the city lets prospective adopters see their true, relaxed personalities outside of a kennel."

As of June 2026, Bryan has successfully helped 20 shelter dogs find permanent homes through this initiative. Although Best Friends Animal Society can't attribute their entire increase in adoptions since 2025 solely to Bryan's efforts, they acknowledge his significant impact.

Bryan expressed his fulfillment by stating, "By bringing these dogs out of the shelter and onto the street, we’re giving them the platform they deserve to find a family."