Zen Micheline Hung may be young, but she’s making a big difference for the animals at New York City’s Bideawee shelter by giving them a gift like no other. And it all started with a piano and the need to help others.

A volunteer since early 2024, Zen performs live piano concerts to help calm the shelter pets, offering them a sense of comfort during their stay. “When I became a teenager, I wanted to make myself useful to the community,” Zen said.

She had grown up with pets and knew how music soothed them, so when the new Bideawee shelter opened in Chelsea, N.Y., Zen was inspired to put her piano skills to use. “I wanted to play music for the shelter pets as a form of music therapy, to help reduce any anxiety from being in a new place,” she said.

Zen Micheline Hung playing piano at Bideawee shelter. Photo by Bideawee

It didn’t take long for Zen’s idea to take shape. After reaching out to the shelter’s volunteer director, Franny Kent, she quickly became the official volunteer pianist for the pets. Since then, Zen has been playing at the shelter regularly, tailoring her performances to the personalities of the animals.

Zen’s love for both music and animals started at a young age. She began playing piano at just four years old, and her early experience with pets led her to observe how her own dogs responded to her playing. She noticed that her dogs would relax or move around in a peaceful way as she played, and this observation became the foundation for her approach at the shelter.

“When I started playing for the animals at Bideawee, I chose pieces that I felt were calming and peaceful,” Zen said. Her repertoire often includes a slowed-down version of “The Tom and Jerry Show” by Hiromi Uehara, a complex and emotional piece that she modifies to suit the pets’ moods. Zen’s piano sessions follow a few important rules. She always keeps the music soft, aiming for a range that mimics a soothing whisper or calm conversation.

I avoid playing anything too loud or sharp because I know those sounds can be agitating for pets,” she explained.

While the dogs and cats may not give verbal feedback, Zen knows her music is working when she sees the animals relaxing. “For dogs, I know the music has reached them if they’re lying down and zoning out, maybe even closing their eyes. With the cats, some of them just stop what they’re doing to listen,” she shared.

A shelter dog listening to Hung’s music. Photo by Bideawee

Volunteering has been a rewarding experience for Zen and her family, who also contribute their time to Bideawee. Her parents, Joseph and Cleo Hung, assist with washing, cleaning, and organizing, making their volunteer efforts a family affair. “It’s like our own form of family therapy,” Zen said.

Zen hopes her efforts will inspire others to find unique and fulfilling ways to give back. “It’s so rewarding to do something useful, especially something you believe in. There’s no greater feeling than seeing these animals happy and finding their forever homes,” she said.

Leslie Granger, CEO and president of Bideawee, echoed Zen’s sentiments about the importance of volunteering. “Our volunteers are crucial to helping Bideawee save cats and dogs every day,” she said, encouraging others to get involved. “Even just spending time with our animals will put a smile on your face.”

Source: People