Imagine a cozy shelter in New York where adorable furry friends are treated to delightful little concerts just for them!
That’s absolutely true!
A young volunteer named Zen Micheline Hung took the initiative at an animal shelter called Bideawee in New York.
Her profound love for animals motivated her to create a comforting environment for the shelter’s residents, and she succeeded beautifully!
An Incredible Initiative
Having shared her life with beloved pets, volunteering at an animal shelter felt like a natural choice for Hung.
“As I entered my teenage years, I was eager to contribute to my community. I reached out to the volunteer director, Franny Kent, and expressed my wish to perform music for the shelter pets as a way to offer music therapy and alleviate their anxiety in this new environment,” Hung recounted to People.
Upon receiving her email, Kent promptly connected Hung with the right individuals, enabling her to become Bideawee’s dedicated pet pianist.
“My goal was to ensure the animals felt as happy and relaxed as possible during their search for forever homes,” she further explained.
From the age of four, Hung has demonstrated her musical prowess, particularly on the piano. Additionally, she was charmed by how her own dogs reacted whenever she played.
And thus, the concept was born.
Keep the Music Playing
Whenever she played the piano, Hung’s own dog would either curl up at her feet, take a cozy nap, or simply soak in the melodies.
“He loves to explore and change positions, sometimes even playing with his toys. To engage him, I began composing musical messages tailored to his activities and moods, and I was thrilled to see his delightful responses,” Hung shared.
Arriving at the shelter for her performances, she had a clear plan. A composition by Hiromi Uehara titled “The Tom and Jerry Show” seemed perfect for the occasion.
This piece was quite complex; Hung described it as containing 10 distinct segments, each conveying different emotions. To adapt it for her furry audience, she decided to play select passages at a slower pace.
Observing the animals’ reactions closely, Hung would repeat sections that appeared to uplift their spirits.
“I deliberately keep my playing dynamics quite limited. On the lower end, I play very softly to evoke the feeling of a gentle whisper. On the higher end, I maintain a medium dynamic level akin to a soothing human voice. I avoid playing loudly, as sharp and loud sounds can be quite distressing for pets,” Hung explained.
Numerous furry companions have thrived from Hung’s thoughtful approach. Whenever the captivating music rang through the air, they paused their activities to fully embrace the tunes.
Yet, the benefits extended beyond the animals.
Hung’s parents also participate as volunteers at the New York shelter, creating a fulfilling family experience.
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to engage in something impactful, especially when it’s something you are passionate about… The sense of personal satisfaction and witnessing the positive change stemming from that effort are truly rewarding. There’s nothing more gratifying than seeing the animals happy at Bideawee and eventually finding their forever homes,” she concluded.
