Wild Tunes announced November 19 that it will partner with Twilight Tails Rescue on its innovative enrichment program. Founded in 2023 by then 10-year-old Houston musician and animal advocate Yuvi Agarwal, Wild Tunes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to soothing shelter animals by encouraging volunteer musicians of all skill levels to play melodic instruments or sing for the benefit of animals in shelter environments.

“This partnership provides an exciting expansion of Wild Tunes’ reach, going beyond cats, dogs, and small animals typically found in shelters to now reach farm animals such as horses, cows, donkeys, goats, and ponies, which make their home at the Twilight Tails sanctuary,” said a spokesperson for the organization in the November 19 press release. “By performing live music and creating soothing melodies, Wild Tunes aims to help animals build a positive association with humans and increase their chances of finding forever homes.”

"Music has the power to calm, connect, and heal," said Agarwal, an avid animal lover and talented musician. "Wild Tunes is a win-win opportunity that helps abandoned and stressed shelter pets associate humans with something good. When pets are routinely exposed to music, it helps them become more comfortable around humans, which ultimately increases their chances of finding forever homes. For the volunteers, it is a great way to practice their music and boost their confidence. "

“I’m thrilled that Twilight Tails will be partnering with Wild Tunes to bring the joy of music to our sanctuary animals,” said Executive Director Judy Einbinder. “Music feeds the soul and brings light into the darkness. I look forward to seeing the comfort that music will bring to these animals who are finally in a place where they are safe and loved.”

The idea for Wild Tunes came about when Agarwal noticed how his music helped calm his dog, Bozo, and he wanted to extend the same soothing experience to shelter animals. He officially launched the program in the spring of 2023 and is now an integral part of volunteer programs in multiple states – Texas, California, Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, South Dakota, and Virginia.

“Over the past two years, it has been heartwarming to witness the transformative impact of Wild Tunes, not only on the animals but on the entire ecosystem of volunteers, staff, visitors, and the broader community. The presence of a caring human paired with the sound of live music creates a sense of joy and serves as a powerful conduit for building comfort, trust, and connection,” said Priyanka Agarwal, executive director of Wild Tunes and Yuvi’s mother.

“We are excited to join forces with Twilight Tails to bring live music to the sanctuary, offering a unique enrichment experience that brings comfort, joy, and harmony to the animals, staff, and volunteers alike,” she said.

Yuvi Agarwal hopes to expand Wild Tune's footprint to even more animal shelters nationwide, combining music and advocacy to improve animal welfare. To join the Wild Tunes program at Twilight Tails, volunteers must first sign up with Wild Tunes at wildtunes.org/volunteer-form/ where they will learn about the next steps in onboarding into the volunteer program at the sanctuary. To learn more about Wild Tunes, visit www.wildtunes.org. To learn more about Twilight Tails, visittwilightailsrescue.org.