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This Shelter Puppy Was Hours From Euthanasia When a Famous Dog Dad Gave Her the Best Day of Her Life

Tan dog stands in front of kennels at the shelter.
Tan dog stands in front of kennels at the shelter. Seregraff / Getty Images

Dog dad Bryan Reisberg is better known as @madmaxfluffyroad-the social media handle he gave his now-famous Corgi, Maxine, back in 2015. He uses his platform to spread joy and give NYC shelter dogs their 'Best Day Ever,' which, more often than not, results in them finding forever homes.

Every shelter dog deserves a special day out, but the star of Bryan's June 12 video is a special shelter puppy named Cuddy. She's a 9-month-old sweetheart who was found as a stray in Georgia, and she was placed on the euthanasia list at her local shelter before NYC-based pet rescue bideawee stepped in just in time. To celebrate her arrival in Manhattan, Bryan took her for a memorable field trip in the hopes of finding her a forever home.

@madmax_fluffyroad

Ears looking at you, kid MEET CUDDY 9 months old Cuddy was found as a stray in Georgia, roaming the streets going up to people The municipal shelter placed her on a euthanasia list due to overcrowding, until @Bideawee saved her at the last second and brought her to their Manhattan location. When I met her, she was so sweet and curious and IMMEDIATELY cuddly. She loved riding in the backpack, did well on walks and loved being chased at the park. She also loves falling into you to snuggle. LIKES Kissing Cuddling Kisses Playing with toys Romping Catching radio frequencies with them big ol Dumbo ears DISLIKES Wearing hats Dog Backpack by @Little Chonk Cuddy is available for adoption via @bideawee, their location in Chelsea, or at the link in our bio! Bideawee is a network partner of @Best Friends We can wait to share the next adoptable pup with you soon! #dogsoftiktok#adoptdontshop

original sound - madmax_fluffyroad

Could Cuddy be any cuter? She took to her new BFF right away, and she didn't fuss while being toted around in Bryan's iconic backpack. I wasn't surprised to see how much attention she got from strangers while out and about, but I was shocked her outing didn't end in an instantaneous adoption.

"I've seen people mentioning that your backpack needs to say something about the dog being up for adoption," @patlysontionago suggested, "and I have to agree that would be a great idea. Maybe even a little info on that sign about contact information."

Related: Stray Puppy Wanders Into a Nature Center and Forms an Instant Bond With the Woman Who Found Her

Bryan's backpack does say 'adopt me' on the back, but a QR code or more eye-catching sign could make a huge difference. Then again-even a huge sign would be easy to miss next to such a cute, distracting face!

Cuddy couldn't have been happier after snacking on a pup cup and visiting the park and toy store with her new friend, but there was one more surprise in store for her a few days later. She found her forever home! Cuddy is no longer listed as an adoptable dog on Bideawee's website, but there are still many sweet dogs like her waiting for their own forever homes.

Who Is Bryan Reisberg, AKA @MadMaxFluffyRoad?

Maxine the Corgi has been a beloved Internet icon for the last decade, but last summer, her dad had the idea to give NYC shelter dogs a taste of the good life. Not only does this give dogs time out of their kennels, but it also helps them get used to a number of different environments and stimuli they may encounter once they've been adopted. The best part, of course, is how many dogs find forever homes after their special days out!



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"I walked by you recently on my trip to NYC; you had a Pit Bull-type dog in your bag, I believe!" commenter @caireann shared. "Thank you for all that you do for these dogs."

Cuddy may have found her forever home, but there are dogs in shelters across the globe who are still waiting for their chance. If you've been looking for a sign to go visit shelter dogs-this is it!

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This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 2:45 PM.

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