NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — For over a decade, Adrian Budnick has volunteered her time photographing dogs at Nashville’s county animal shelter, but it wasn’t until the COVID pandemic that she came up with a creative idea to boost adoptions.
As one of the few people allowed in the shelter during the pandemic, Budnick began filming videos of the dogs, infusing them with humor and personality by giving them funny, often imaginative names. She created a viral TikTok series where she played the character of Anita Walker, a fast-talking, cowboy-boot-wearing “certified pre-owned pet” seller.
The ‘What’s this then?’ Series Takes Off
Budnick’s breakthrough came with her “What’s this then?” series. In one viral video, she introduced a large, lanky dog and gave it the humorous name “Himalayan fur goblin,” quickly becoming an internet sensation.
“I just kind of winged it,” she said. “I called it a ‘Himalayan fur goblin,’ and the video exploded overnight.”
Her funny, creative dog names such as “Teacup werewolf,” “Speckled freckled cuddle calf,” and “Creamsicle push-up pup” captured the attention of viewers. One memorable video, featuring pit bull mixes in festive costumes, garnered over 5 million views after Budnick sang “I Want a Pitt-o-potomous for Christmas.”
Adoptions Get a Boost
The playful videos have done more than entertain; they’ve boosted dog adoptions by over 25% between 2021 and 2024. Metro Animal Care and Control Director Ashley Harrington shared that people from across the United States and even Canada are calling to inquire about specific, quirky dog breeds featured in Budnick’s videos.
“This is not just a local thing anymore,” Harrington said. “People are seeing the videos and calling from all over.”
Budnick’s efforts have also led to increased donations and support for the shelter, which is still struggling with overcrowding. Budnick encourages people to “spay and neuter” to help reduce the number of abandoned animals.
Photography and Passion for Dogs
Budnick’s love for photography began in childhood and resurfaced after adopting her first dog, Ruby, who reignited her passion for capturing images. With her camera, she continues to help change perceptions of the shelter, showing the playful, loving side of the dogs through her photos and videos.
“I hold even the big dogs in my arms and get my face licked. It shows how sweet and lovable they really are,” she said.
Though Budnick’s videos and creativity have brought attention to her work, she remains humble. She loves that other shelters are replicating her ideas, but she isn’t interested in taking on more work. “I’m just having fun,” she said. “I absolutely love dogs. I think they’re the best thing on earth.”