In a city that famously never stops moving, Bryan Reisberg is giving busy New Yorkers a reason to pause. Instead of rushing head-down through crowded subway stations, Bryan commutes with a very special passenger strapped to his back: an adoptable shelter dog.
By transforming an ordinary daily routine into a mobile adoption drive, Bryan brings the dogs directly to the people, giving them a much-needed chance to be seen, loved, and finally chosen.
Taking “Meet-and-Greets” to the Streets
Rather than waiting for families to visit a shelter, Bryan hosts spontaneous meet-and-greets right on the sidewalks and subway cars of Manhattan. Tucked securely into a custom-designed backpack, the dogs get a front-row seat to the city while interacting with curious strangers.
The Origin: The idea sparked from Bryan’s own dog, Maxine. Frustrated by uncomfortable traditional pet carriers, he designed a better, more practical backpack for her daily travels.
The Pivot: A friend suggested using his new invention to help shelter dogs get noticed. After partnering with the Best Friends Animal Society in Soho, Bryan found his calling.
The Success Rate: Prior to his latest outing, Bryan had taken 13 shelter dogs on these subway rides. Every single one of them was adopted.
Spotlight: Misty’s Big Day Out
For his 14th ride, Bryan was accompanied by Misty, a sweet, one-eyed pit bull with boundless energy and a heart of gold. Losing an eye to a past injury hasn’t dampened her spirit—she is pure sunshine, leaning into every pet as if she has been waiting for it her whole life.
During their day across the city, Misty got to experience a taste of freedom:
Watching squirrels with bright curiosity in Central Park.
Charming passersby who stopped to meet her at eye level in Union Square.
Picking out a brand new toy at Petco.
Becoming the star of an impromptu meet-and-greet at Starbucks.
For Misty, the day was more than an outing. It was the chance to show that she is not defined by her missing eye, but by her joyful heart, her trust in people, and her calm, well-behaved nature.
The Weight of Compassion
Carrying a dog that weighs up to 60 pounds all day is physically demanding, but for Bryan, the toll on his body is entirely overshadowed by the emotional reward. Seeing photos of his former “backpack pups” thriving with their new families makes every sore shoulder worth it.
In a metropolis that rarely slows down, Bryan’s mission is a beautiful reminder that compassion can move through crowded streets. Sometimes, all a dog needs to find a forever home is a subway ride and someone willing to carry the load.