For the dogs: Harmonica player organizes concert to help animal rescue groups

Walter “Wally G” Waters knelt next to Chief’s bedding and blew a short melody on his harmonica.

At first, Chief shied away from the unfamiliar sound. But as Waters softened his tune, Chief wagged his tail and held his face up to the harmonica player. It was the briefest of moments as Chief curled into his bedding and watched the musician quietly.

The Wiregrass Humane Society has been Chief’s home for three years — he’s been there since he was a puppy; his mother was even a shelter dog. He has an underbite that causes his lower teeth to protrude over his upper teeth, giving this bashful, sweet dog a menacing look that doesn’t fit his personality.

Waters, who usually goes by his stage name Wally G, wants to help dogs like Chief. The only way he knew to do it was through music.

It’s not Waters’ first trip to the Humane Society shelter. He’s visited with his harmonica to gauge what tunes the dogs liked and disliked or if certain dogs preferred certain music. It was research for a CD Waters recorded specifically for dogs.

Waters has also organized a “Save the Dogs” concert on Friday, July 10, at the Ozark Civic Center featuring T. Graham Brown — known for his 1980s country hits like “Hell and High Water,” “Wine into Water” and “Darlene.” Profits from sales of Waters’ CD, T-shirts and the concert will go to Wiregrass animal rescue groups.

Waters, who helped start the local music venue Crosscreek Junction on Johnny Murphy Road off Highway 109 South, is also hoping to use the concert to find a local pooch to put on the cover of his CD. Attendees can enter their pet by simply bringing a photo of their dog to the concert. Anyone who brings a photo will get $2 off the price of their ticket.

“I’m a dog lover,” Waters said. “I’ve got two, and they’re like my kids.”

The idea for the canine CD was suggested by Wiregrass music producer and songwriter Buddy Buie. So Waters took his harmonica out to the Humane Society to see what dogs like to hear on a harmonica.

“Some of them liked it, some didn’t,” Waters said.

How could he tell?

Some would sing along. Others would wag their tails and nudge him when he stopped playing. One dog even put his head under Waters’ arm and bumped him when he stopped. But there were those dogs who simpy cocked their heads to the side in curiosity.

“I want to do one with a little softer type music for the more gentle dog,” Waters said
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If you go ...
What: “Save the Dogs” concert to benefit Wiregrass animal rescue groups.
When: Friday, July 10, 7 p.m.
Where: Ozark Civic Center
Cost: $15 at the door; $12 in advance.
Performers: T. Graham Brown, Kristan Mikala, Kasey Gayle, Calen Santos, Elvis impersonator Jerome Jackson and the Crosscreek Junction Band.