From Shelters to Subways: How a Backpack and a Walk are Saving New York’s Dogs

In the bustling landscape of New York City, where millions of people are constantly on the move, it is easy for a shelter dog to become just another face behind a wire fence. Traditional adoption methods often rely on potential owners visiting a rescue center—a step many never take. However, local resident Bryan Reisberg has found a way to bridge that gap, proving that sometimes the best marketing isn’t an expensive ad campaign, but a commute on the L-train.

Bringing the Shelter to the Streets

Reisberg’s approach is as simple as it is effective: he puts adoptable dogs in a backpack and takes them out for a day on the town. By carrying these pups through the city’s most iconic locations—riding the subway, lounging in Central Park, or navigating the crowded sidewalks of Manhattan—he removes the physical and emotional barriers of the shelter walls.

In these everyday settings, the dogs aren’t just “rescues”; they are companions. They are seen up close, meeting the eyes of commuters and tourists alike. The sight of a happy pup peering out from a backpack is an instant conversation starter, turning a routine city outing into a mobile adoption event.

The Power of the “Pet and Pivot”

The results of this grassroots effort are transformative. When people stop to pet a dog on the street, they form an immediate, visceral connection that a digital flyer simply cannot replicate. These brief interactions frequently lead to a “pet and pivot,” where a casual passerby becomes a serious adopter.

By showcasing these dogs in the context of real city life, Reisberg helps potential owners visualize exactly how a pet would fit into their own routines. There are no high-gloss commercials or celebrity endorsements involved—just a backpack, a pair of walking shoes, and a commitment to giving vulnerable animals a second chance. Through this one small idea, the streets of New York have become a gateway to “forever homes,” proving that a little visibility can change a life—four paws at a time.