Doggie Dreams Jane Firmunn Hollander, Cello, Piano According to authors Leeds and Wagner (Through a Dog's Ear)low tones and slow tempos played on a solo instrument can change canine physiology, causing heart rates to drop, brain waves to calm, and stress levels to plummet. These mellow cello melodies create calm and soothing sounds for canines-and their humans too! During the photography session for the cover, we shot over 100 photos of Olive relaxing while listening to DOGGIE DREAMS. We didn't anticipate the level of cooperation we'd have from this ten-month old puppy, and could only attribute it to the mellow sounds of the cello played by Jane Firmunn Hollander, cellist and pianist on this recording. In the process of recording what was to be a remarkable CD of multiple tracks of Ms. Hollander playing all of the cello parts as well as the piano accompaniments, it became clear that it was time to say good-bye to her beloved dog Mini, a 17 year old Shepard mix. Mini had attended some 24,000 cello lessons in her many years with Ms. Hollander and may have known more about the cello than most humans! Playing through tears, Hollander selected the slow movement of the Victor Herbert Concerto to play as Mini was put to rest. Some time later, Olive arrived turning everything upside down from the day of her much anticipated airport arrival from a shelter in Georgia. This highly energized, happy-go-lucky pup is learning to appreciate the melodious sounds of cello and has already begun attending cello lessons! This album is dedicated to the memory of Mini, and to all of our canine friends who have brought a special kind of music into our lives.