Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) is the biggest shelter and pet adoption center in the state of Maryland. More than thirty animals are surrendered there every day, and according to their website, they don’t say no to any of them:
“We are an open-admission shelter, granting refuse to every abandoned, neglected, abused, lost or surrendered animal that comes through our door.”
“No matter what the circumstances, we do not turn away any animal in need of shelter, food, medical care and a loving touch.”
With BARCS’ open-door policy, you can imagine the place gets pretty crowded. But, despite being crowded, the shelter goes above and beyond to give these animals the best life possible while they’re looking for the perfect, forever home.
For example, BARCS has a group of “enrichment volunteers” who take time out of their busy schedules to come and make the animals tasty treats. They also have a training team who runs a hiking program to keep the pups in tip-top shape. Most recently, the shelter went viral when they posted a video of one of their most adorable initiatives yet: singing, cradling, and dancing with animals as they awake from surgery. Bailey Deacon, a spokesperson for BARCS, told TODAY:
“Singing, cradling, and cuddling animals waking up from anesthesia is a soothing way to comfort them. It helps them feel safe and it helps them stay calm.”
“We do everything in our resources to show our animals comfort and love.”
The video was uploaded to the BARCS Facebook page four months ago, where it has since amassed thousands upon thousands of views.
In the video, you see two staff members cradling two dogs after surgery. One animal is wrapped in a blue blanket while the other sports a tiny cone. Soft music plays in the background as the employees cuddle and comfort their little patients. The caption beside the video reads:
“Our Sunday surgery crew slowly dancing with puppies waking up from anesthesia. We have the best team.”
It’s no secret that animals find cuddles to be soothing— but playing music while they recover from surgery also has a big effect.
For example, Gilbertsville Veterinary Hospital describes a study that found music is effective in masking surprising and distressing noises that could negatively impact an animal’s recovery. Most researchers seem to recommend styles of soft, classical music that can help relax your pet— as opposed to modern genres of pop or rock. Experts also recommend keeping the noise level below 60 decibels (about the volume of a low conversation). Otherwise, the music could potentially have the opposite effect of stressing your pet out and impeding their healing process.
As we’ve discovered more and more information about animals and music, other facilities have been incorporating these types of practices, as well. For example, last year, a 28-year-old veterinarian named Ross Henderson went viral when he serenaded a dog named Ruby to calm her before surgery. In the video, the young vet croons “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” to the seemingly besotted pup. “It was a special moment,” he told TODAY.
“Sometimes your patient just needs you to go the extra mile to make them feel comfortable when they’re for the day to have surgery,” the hospital wrote.
“Dr. Ross has mastered the technique and sweet Ruby was so thankful for that.”
As mentioned, the BARCS video amassed thousands and thousands of views. People loved the way the employees treated their patients so kindly, showing them the affection they truly deserved.
“Sooooooo great! That gas to ease their anxiety from surgery, big time. A great idea cause music is healing!!”
“It makes me trust vets more, cause two didn’t need to go up and beyond but they cared”
“This is sooo sweet!!! Can I work there? Every Vet’s office should have this!?”
Watch the adorable moment below!
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