If you told me about a shelter in New York that holds concerts for their furry residents, I’d be thrilled! Zen Micheline Hung, a passionate teenager, decided to volunteer at Bideawee, an animal shelter in New York, wanting to make the animals’ time there as enjoyable as possible.
“When I became a teenager, I wanted to contribute to my community. I reached out to the volunteer director, Franny Kent, and shared my passion for music. CONTINUE BELOW
I proposed playing for the shelter pets as a form of music therapy to help ease their anxiety,” Hung shared with People. Kent quickly connected her with the right resources, allowing Hung to become Bideawee’s “pet pianist.”
Having been surrounded by her beloved pets since childhood, Hung found inspiration in their reactions to her piano playing. “Whenever I played, my dog would either rest under my feet or simply enjoy the music.” This motivated her to create a similar experience for the shelter animals. CONTINUE BELOW
She chose a piece by Hiromi Uehara titled “The Tom and Jerry Show,” a challenging composition that she adapted to suit the pets’ needs, playing softly and keeping the volume comfortable to avoid stressing them. The response from the animals has been heartwarming; they often stop what they’re doing to listen.
Hung’s initiative not only benefits the shelter animals but also strengthens family bonds, as her parents volunteer alongside her. “It’s incredibly rewarding to do something meaningful. CONTINUE BELOW
The satisfaction I feel from seeing the animals happy and eventually finding their forever homes is unmatched.” This inspiring story highlights the power of compassion and creativity in making a difference for those in need!
