Kicker: Improving the odds

MYRNA BROWN, HOST: At Nashville’s animal shelter, volunteer Adrian Budnick isn’t just naming dogs—she’s rebranding them.

BUDNICK: Shelters only have pit bulls? What’s this then? It’s a Himalayan fur goblin. That’s right.

Her online videos exploded! Overlooked pups turned into viral stars under hashtag What’s This Then? …an answer to people who say shelters only have pit bulls.

BUDNICK: It’s a teacup werewolf. We got those too. It’s a tater tot terrier. Mmm-hm. What’s this then? It’s a snackle jack.

Her pretend dog breeds have boosted adoptions by 25%—and counting.

BUDNICK: It went from 20,000 to over 100,000 followers in the last four months maybe. It’s a wild ride—but it’s helping these animals get seen.

Budnick’s bottom line?

BUDNICK: It’s working. And if that works for your shelter too? Do it! Oh—good girl!

It’s The World and Everything in It.

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