https://www.today.com/money/violinist-s-music-calms-dogs-recovering-abuse-aspca-t161525
https://www.today.com/video/meet-the-man-who-comforts-rescue-dogs-by-playing-the-violin-69508677798
For 30 years, professional violinist Martin Agee has performed in some of the world’s most renowned music venues, from Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House. But two years ago, he landed his favorite gig: playing classical music for shelter dogs at the
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' Adoption Center in New York City.
Every few weeks, Agee carries his violin to the shelter’s Animal Recovery Center, which houses animals coping with medical and behavioral issues stemming from cruelty and neglect. Often, dogs herald his arrival with barking, jumping and general chaos. Then he sits in a chair and begins to play soothing sonatas by classical composers like Bach, Handel and Mozart.
“The instant the bow hits the string, you get a reaction like, ‘What just happened?’ It’s stunning to see,” he told TODAY.
The music provides a bridge to relaxation. Energetic dogs settle down to listen. Shy dogs venture closer to the front of their enclosures for a better view.
“It’s an emotional experience,” Agee, 62, said. “And it has been since day one.”
The lifelong animal lover started volunteering at the
ASPCA more than two years ago as a way to reconnect with
pets after the death of his rescued greyhound, Melody. Her loss was difficult and “weighed heavily” on Agee for several years. After that interval, he signed on as an adoption coordinator at the New York shelter.
“I almost jokingly said to some people, ‘Well, maybe I’ll play my violin for the dogs when I’m there,’” he recalled. “Little did I realize that that would become a reality.”
Agee was intrigued by the ASCPA’s storytelling program, in which
volunteers read books, magazines and other material to help socialize and calm victimized dogs as part of their rehabilitation. The staff supported the idea of Agee playing the violin to see how dogs would react to his music — which immediately proved successful.