Music’s power to soothe animals has been a topic of fascination for hundreds of years. It has inspired poetry, scientific studies, and, more recently, countless social media videos.
Sixth grader Yuvaanh “Yuvi” Agarwal has witnessed this power firsthand. The nonprofit he created last year, Wild Tunes, lines up volunteer musicians to perform for Houston shelter animals that could use a bit of comfort.
Yuvi, who has loved music since he was a baby and now takes piano lessons, performs for the shelter animals, too.
“It gives me good practice, and I feel really happy when I play for the dogs,” he told Houston’s Fox 26 News in 2023. “It’s a win-win for everybody.”
A Young Musician’s Vision
The inspiration to form Wild Tunes struck while Yuvi and his classmates were reading to animals at a Houston shelter, Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP), as part of a service project last year. The animals appeared to enjoy the students’ visit, and Yuvi began to wonder if he couldn’t do even more to help them.
He’d already noticed that his family’s dog, Bozo, sometimes settled down to listen and relax when Yuvi practiced piano. Bozo seemed to enjoy the music Yuvi listened to for his own enjoyment, too.
Maybe music could provide the same calming influence for shelter animals, like the ones at CAP.
Yuvi took his idea to his parents, and they helped him approach area shelters with his offer to play piano for their animals. Several organizations turned him down, but rescue service Houston Pets Alive! was all in. The organization works with municipal shelters to save animals that have no other options.
With help from Houston Pets Alive! Yuvi was able to start scheduling performances at the City of Houston’s BARC (Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care) shelter, and Wild Tunes was born.
From what Yuvi has seen, the shelter animals do, indeed, appreciate the music performances the sixth grader's nonprofit provides. The dogs even “sing” or bark to the music at times.
The Science Behind the Music
Research supports Yuvi’s observations about the impact of music on animals. Studies show that melodious music, especially soft classical or instrumental tunes, can significantly reduce cortisol levels in animals (the stress hormone associated with anxiety). This therapeutic effect not only helps lower their heart rate but also promotes a sense of calm and safety.
By easing their tension and soothing their nerves, music creates an environment where animals feel more at ease in human company. This is particularly beneficial for shelter animals; the calming atmosphere encourages them to relax and display their natural personalities, potentially improving their chances of finding a forever home.
Expanding Reach and Raising Awareness
Today, in addition to Houston Pets Alive! and BARC, Wild Tunes works with CAP, Houston Humane Society, and Special Pals.
And for two years, Wild Tunes has been bringing musicians and animal lovers together for a special event, the Melodies of Gratitude concert, to raise awareness and money for BARC’s animal shelter and adoption program. The most recent event, held Oct. 26, raised more than $32,000, which will support over 15,000 homeless animals in the Houston area with help from matching donors.
“I was deeply touched by the community’s response to our mission and the incredible energy at the concert,” Yuvi said. “Our goal was to raise funds and awareness about the importance of providing care and comfort to shelter animals waiting for their forever homes.”
Program participants included Texas-based singer/songwriter Bo Bottoms, ECHO (the Energy Corridor of Houston Orchestra), Rice University’s Sheperd School of Music, and musicians from The Village School in Houston, where Yuvi is a student. KPRC-TV Channel 2 anchor and animal advocate Zach Lashway was the emcee.
The concert also featured a performance by Yuvi, who opened the event with his original piano composition Shakti.
Bill Delbrugge, head of school for The Village School, praised Yuvi for his efforts.
“It was amazing to see young people give back to the community in such a profound way,” he said. “I’m extremely proud of Yuvi for his ingenuity in the creation of Wild Tunes and then seeing it come to fruition.”
Prior to the concert, Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin, District C, recognized Yuvi for his public service for shelter animals.
“The Melodies of Gratitude concert was WONDERFUL!” Kamin wrote. “So happy that we were able to participate, and we’re thrilled to match the portion of proceeds designated for BARC so that they can continue their fabulous work on behalf of Houston’s homeless animals.”
Not only does Wild Tunes do good things for animals, but it also provides deeply satisfying experiences for volunteers. That has been the case for volunteer Drew Harrison, who agreed to share Wild Tunes’ personal impact for the nonprofit’s website.
“I was grieving the loss of my Great Dane, Titan, and I love dogs but didn’t want to commit to that inevitable loss again,” Harrison said. “I decided volunteering at the shelter was a great way to still be able to experience dogs, without the commitment, and help them be more comfortable with their stay! Then Wild Tunes came along, and I was able to combine my love for dogs with my love for guitar and play for the animals.”
Harrison also has Wild Tunes to thank for a new friend to love.
“Someone saw what I was doing and tagged me in a video of this poor girl dog shaking, and they said, ‘I think she needs some tunes by Drew.’ I went and played for Blondie two days, and the next day she was scheduled for euthanasia. I couldn’t let that happen, so I fostered for the first time. Then I fell in love with her, and it was a total foster failure, but she has a forever home now, and I have a new best friend!”
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