McConnell explains that, “Pure tones


and regular rhythms are associated with positive states.” On the other hand, harsh, noisy tones and irregular rhythms are linked with negative ones. She adds, “A tempo matching an animal’s resting heart rate (or respiration) tends to be calming.” Composers and musicians are cur-


rently writing music specifically for animals with the aim of reducing stress from noise or separation, assisting with healing, controlling overeating and soothing irritability.


Compositions for Cats


Christine was volunteering at a local ani- mal shelter that played country music for the cats. “I wondered what their reaction would be if I wrote some meditative music with diff erent tones—beta/alpha waves— to present to them alternative sounds,” she says. She composed some music and experimented with it in the cat room, no- ticing that the animals reacted positively to certain tones. T at eventually led to a CD for cats, and then one for dogs, with the proceeds donated to the ASPCA and the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, in New York City.


Harmonies for Hounds


T e Rescue Animal MP3 Project, an organization that has donated free MP3 players fi lled with music to more than 1,420 animal shelters and sanctuaries,


was founded by Pamela Fisher, a holis- tic veterinarian in North Canton, Ohio. Calmer animals are more likely to be adopted, and the music is designed to provide a relaxed environment for ani- mals so they can better cope with stress- ful housing conditions. T e MP3s contain a variety of music and artists, including selections like Canine Lullabies, by Terry Woodford, therapeutic music expert; Pet Calm, Pet Healing, by hypnothera- pist Rick Collingwood; and Harp Music to Soothe the Savage Beast, by Alianna Boone, who states, “T e structure of the harp is considered to be the most healing instrument next to the human voice.” Pet owners may need to listen more


closely. “We so oſt en focus on other aspects of their environment—Is their dog bed comfy? Does it look pretty to us?—and fail to attend to the impact of sound on our dog’s environment (not to mention our own),” writes McConnell about new animal-music studies. T ere are many melodic medleys for


pet parents, but buyer beware. “If you’re to spend your money on this, make sure you are looking at music backed by re- search,” advises Christine.


For more information, visit CherylChristine.com.


Julie Peterson writes about wellness for people, animals and the environment. Reach her at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.


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