In a city known for its vibrant arts scene, a young Houstonian is striking a different kind of chord, one that resonates with the hearts of shelter animals. Yuvi Agarwal founded Wild Tunes in 2023, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to soothing shelter animals through the power of live music.
Wild Tunes’ mission is simple yet profound: to enrich the lives of homeless animals by encouraging volunteers to play musical instruments at participating shelters. The goal? To help pets relax, reduce their anxiety, and prepare them for fostering and adoption.
The inspiration for Wild Tunes struck Yuvi when he noticed the calming effect his music had on his own dog, Bozo. "All my life I've loved animals and I also love music...It dawned on me that music would have a stronger effect on dogs at the shelters" Yuvi explains.
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And he was right. Since its launch in the spring of 2023, Wild Tunes has become an integral part of volunteer programs at several Houston-area shelters. Volunteers, armed with their instruments, bring a sense of tranquility to often stressful shelter environments. The soft melodies help animals rebuild their trust in humans, making them more adoptable and easing their transition to forever homes.
Wild Tunes is a win-win situation for everyone involved. Musicians gain valuable practice and performance experience, students can earn service hours, and, most importantly, the animals receive much-needed comfort and emotional support.
Yuvi hopes to inspire others, both children and adults, to use their musical talents to make a difference. At Wild Tunes, whether you play the piano, guitar, or even just sing, you can make a positive impact.
Wild Tunes is actively seeking volunteers, shelter partners, community partners, and donors to expand its reach and help more animals. If you're interested in joining this harmonious mission, you can find more information at https://wildtunes.org.
Stars for Paws
Wild Tunes also features "Stars for Paws," a program that encourages local artists, including professional musicians and singers, to soothe shelter animals through live performances. Volunteers can perform monthly or more frequently for animals at participating shelters.
Expanding Reach
The impact of Wild Tunes is extending beyond Houston. Common Sense for Animals (CSA), based in Stewartsville, New Jersey, has launched this innovative program to improve the lives of dogs and cats under their care.
By performing live music and creating soothing melodies, Wild Tunes aims to reduce stress levels in animals, making them more comfortable and increasing their chances of finding forever homes. Wild Tunes is proof that even the smallest gestures can create the biggest impact, one soothing melody at a time.
