Tail-wagging tunes: A new MADACC program brings live music to shelter pets
WEST MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A new program at Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission(MADACC) is already getting two paws up from its residents.
MADACC is the first shelter in Wisconsin to partner with Wild Tunes, a nonprofit organization that aims to soothe animals with live music.
Wild Tunes was founded in Houston, Texas in 2023, when a 10-year-old boy, who would play music to calm his own dog, wanted to do the same for shelter animals.
In three years, the program has expanded to 25 shelters across the country, with more than 600 volunteer musicians.
MADACC launched Wild Tunes on Thursday, March 5.
"Seeing how much this has helped the animals relax, just today alone, has been so wonderful," said MADACC's community engagement coordinator, Kate Hartlund.
Wisconsin Space Program, a Milwaukee psych-rock band, was one of the first local volunteers.
"We all willingly jumped at the chance to take off work and come play for dogs and cats here," said band member Sean Anderson.
They watched as the animals connected with them as they performed acoustic songs outside their kennels.
"You can see the curiosity dawn upon them, and their tails are wagging," said band member Kevin Topel. "I knew immediately we'd have to guard the hearts to not leave here with like, 45 band dogs."
Jesse Weinberg, from Skylight Music Theatre, also lent his talents, singing and playing guitar.
"Several of the cats were right on me, very close and focused," Weinberg observed.
Studies show animals do respond well to music, but there's not a lot of research about live music. Wild Tunes hopes to help push that along.
"They watch very intently to see what they're doing with their hands, and the music that they're singing or playing," said Becky Best, Wild Tunes' outreach partner. "It just really is heartwarming all the way around."
They weren't all quiet listeners.
"Some of the dogs were like, singing along," Hartlund laughed.
But everyone was engaged by the music, even the humans.
"Honestly, I have not seen smiles on some of the staff and volunteers' faces as big as I did today," she said. "It just lightened everyone's mood."
Volunteers are now welcome daily to play music at MADACC. Any experience level is encouraged, as long as it brings tail-wagging tunes.
Click here to register as a Wild Tunes volunteer.