Healing Power of Music….. for Pets

"The structure of the harp is considered to be the most healing instruments next to human voice," said Boone, an Oregonian who plays for ill family pets.

Cassie, a black and white cow, lives at the Maple Farm Sanctuary in Mendon, Mass., with about 80 other unwanted livestock. She arrived there last year after jumping a 7-foot-high fence to escape from a slaughter house, said volunteer Tracie Russell. Even though the cow is now living the good life, it has demonstrated anxiety-related behavior issues.

On a recent morning, for example, Russell walked into the barn to find the 1,500 pound Holstein snorting and stomping.  “I was little bit afraid for my safety, I have to say, for the first time,” said Russell.

She’s not sure what upset Cassie but decided to try calming her by playing a CD of harp songs.  Within 20 minutes, Russell said, the bovine dozed off. "It's not a magic bullet," cautions Diane Schneider, who produced "Harp of Hope: Animal Therapy Edition," the music that lulled Cassie.

Animal CD "Harp of Hope," a collection of 17 songs, was originally recorded for people but Schneider decided to release an animal edition last year after owners reported it helped their arthritic dogs fall asleep and calmed their agitated cats.

Veterinary hospitals also acknowledged the CD's success in soothing nervous pets — and their owners.

Excerpts from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22539914/