Viral videos help rescue dogs find loving homes

In Nashville, Tennessee, during the COVID pandemic, Adrian Budnick became a volunteer photographer for the county animal shelter. With a desire to increase dog adoptions, she created humorous videos featuring dogs and gave them quirky names. One dog, which resembled a fluffy mix, was dubbed the 'Himalayan fur goblin.' These videos resonated with a wide audience and went viral, with one viewed over 5 million times. The popularity of her efforts translated into a significant rise in adoptions, increasing by just over 25% from 2021 to 2024. Budnick noted that people from various states and even Canada called inquiring about specific dogs featured in her videos, demonstrating the far reach of her efforts. Additionally, the increased visibility resulted in donations to the shelter, highlighting the impact of creative outreach on animal welfare. Budnick's approach has reshaped perceptions of shelter dogs, portraying them as lovable and engaging companions rather than the sad images often associated with animal shelters. She expressed her delight in others imitating her work and emphasized the importance of spaying and neutering to control the pet population, further showing her commitment to animal advocacy.