News Summary
The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center has introduced the ‘Wild Tunes’ program, offering live music for shelter animals to enhance their well-being and ease the adoption process. Founded by a young boy, the initiative invites local musicians to provide calming performances, with the first session starting on August 5. Volunteers report positive experiences, as the program aims to create a soothing environment for pets, ultimately improving their chances of finding loving homes.
Mission Viejo, California – The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center has launched an innovative volunteer program named “Wild Tunes,” dedicated to providing live music to shelter animals. This initiative aims to comfort and soothe pets through music, enhancing their well-being and potentially improving their chances for adoption.
The Wild Tunes program was founded by a 12-year-old boy named Yuvi Agarwal in Houston in 2023. Since its inception, the program has expanded to various shelters across the United States, including locations in Colorado, New Jersey, and California. The official launch date for Wild Tunes at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is set for August 5.
Volunteer musicians from the local community are invited to participate in the program, which aims to bring joy and relaxation to shelter animals. Musicians of all ages and proficiency levels are encouraged to join, allowing them to volunteer for both long and short periods. The program specifically looks for instrumental performers using instruments like keyboards, violins, guitars, and flutes; however, percussion instruments are discouraged.
The core goal of Wild Tunes is to assist in the rehabilitation of animals, preparing them for a loving home by providing positive experiences that link them with humans. Studies suggest that music can have a calming influence on dogs, contributing to a more peaceful environment within the shelter. Observations at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center indicate that dogs have become noticeably calmer during live music sessions, providing evidence of the program’s potential effectiveness.
Volunteers have shared rewarding experiences from their time playing for the animals. One volunteer, Elliot Battle, reported an emotional fulfillment from playing guitar and singing to the dogs, expressing the joy of giving back through music. Another volunteer, Nicole Steiman, plays the harp specifically for cats, stating that the music aids both her own relaxation and that of the pets as well. Additionally, a Wild Tunes Ambassador, Kayden Tokarski, recounted a touching moment where his singing helped calm a particularly nervous dog.
Brynn Lavison, the Animal Services Director, emphasized the significance of the Wild Tunes program, particularly for animals that have experienced cruelty and neglect. This program is designed to enhance the existing enrichment programs offered by the shelter, ultimately creating a more positive experience for the animals and increasing their chances of finding permanent homes.
The introduction of live music into the daily routines of shelter animals promises not just a soothing atmosphere but also contributes to their overall well-being and mental health. The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center invites community members to participate in this heartwarming initiative, encouraging individuals to enjoy live performances while interacting with adoptable animals.
This program reflects a growing recognition of the value of enriched living conditions for shelter pets and the role of human interaction in their rehabilitation process. Wild Tunes not only aims to uplift the spirits of the animals but also fosters connections that can lead to successful adoptions.
For those interested in becoming involved, the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center welcomes musicians willing to share their talents and bring joy to the shelter environment. By bridging the gap between humans and animals through music, the Wild Tunes initiative seeks to create a lasting impact on the lives of the shelter pets and their future families.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7: Live Music Program for Shelter Pets
- Wikipedia: Animal Shelter
- NBC Los Angeles: Mission Viejo’s Music Program
- Google Search: Animal Welfare Music
- KTLA: Live Music to Soothe Shelter Pets
- Google Scholar: Music for Shelter Animals
- Spectrum News 1: Everyday Heroes for Shelter Animals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal Welfare
- KFI AM 640: Music to Shelter Pets’ Ears
- Google News: Shelter Music Program
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
