Derby musician's paw-tapping Christmas song aims to help rescue dogs find their forever home
People can support the charity by listening to the Lonely Paws song that stars dogs from Birmingham Dogs Home
A Derby musician has joined the race for Christmas number one - and they have altruistic hopes for the festive tune.
The song was created with the hope of raising awareness about rescue dogs and helping them find their forever home. Dog-loving Dom Scohy, a talented musician from Derby wrote, produced, and played keys on the Lonely Paws: I'm Waiting For You song which was recorded in aid of Birmingham Dogs Home.
The popular Derby artist started learning piano at the age of three years old; he is the son of an international opera singer and is now a full-time musician and keys player in Derby-based jazz-funk band Oobleck.
Dom therefore brought a wealth of music experience to the National Gas Metering sponsored project to create a heart-tugging song.
The Lonely Paws video shows a lonely dog waiting in the shelter who finds his forever family just in time for Christmas.
Its fictional depiction is sadly true, as Birmingham Dogs Home says over 200 dogs are living at the charity’s two rescue centres.
The Lonely Paws project came about when National Gas Metering, who are keen supporters of charities, contacted Dom to ask if he could compose a Christmas song for Birmingham Dogs Home.
People downloading the Lonely Paws song will help dogs like cute Kaiser who is said to be a 'loyal, calm and intelligent friend.'
After agreeing, Dom started work on the composition earlier this year.
Reflecting on what the project means to him, Dom said: “I love dogs and care so much about animal welfare. I imagined how a dog would feel, wanting to be adopted by a family, which is why the song is from a dog’s point of view who is patiently waiting for their home.
“Dogs are social animals like us, my dog is attached to me and my daughter, I’m pretty sure if I left him, he would find it so hard. I didn't want it to be too depressing either, as it’s a Christmas song after all. Birmingham Dogs Home is a charity relying on donations who do an amazing job and I was happy to help.”
To prepare for the Christmas project, Dom had to listen to plenty of Christmas songs from musicians as diverse as Frank Sinatra and Mariah Carey… from early as June.
Once Dom was happy with the lyrics and melody, fellow musicians consisting of Dorothy Ella (singer), Greg Rawson (drums), Joseph Brannigan (bass), and Jay Dean (mixing and recording) started putting together the melody.
Recording was underway at Dubrek Studios Derby.
Speaking about his experience and input in the project, Jay Dean, director at Dubrek Studios said: “Mixing and producing a Christmas song was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss.
“Dom is an excellent musician and composer and the bonus of some of Derby’s excellent musicians bringing the Dubrek community spirit to the song, including singer Dorothy Ella, made it a really fun experience.
“Most importantly the cause is one I feel passionate about, being a dog owner and I really hope people dig into their pockets for Birmingham Dogs Home.”
Dom is keen to get people talking about rescue dogs, especially at Christmas time when people may be thinking about getting a furry four-legged friend.
Dom said: “The song is a way to raise awareness of something close to my heart. And it’s a nice song for people to enjoy and add to their Christmas music list too.
Gillian Howard, marketing manager at National Gas Metering said: “At National Gas Metering we are extremely passionate about our charitable contribution to the communities we work across and we are passionate dog lovers.
"For me personally my two favourite things are dogs and music so getting the opportunity to combine the two was an opportunity I couldn’t resist. Having seen first-hand the struggles and challenges dogs homes' are having at the moment, and all of the dogs that are homeless this Christmas, this project is particularly important to me.
"I have rescued two dogs myself previously so it’s a cause that is really close to my heart. The idea seemed really simple at first but getting a Xmas single up and running really wasn’t easy I am blown away by the song and the video and I really encourage everyone to support it.
"To encourage participation, we have also created a Lonely Paws Christmas dance which is being shared across social media.”
How to support Birmingham Dogs Home
The Lonely Paws song racked up 200 views in the first hour of its release but it still needs help from the public.
People can support his ‘pawsome’ project by listening to the song, as a donation goes to Birmingham Dogs Home with every download.
The song can be enjoyed on all major platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, YouTube, Amazon Music, Tidal and Deezer - here is the link.
People can also watch the video by clicking here.
To find out more about Birmingham Dogs Home visit their website by clicking here.
(Scroll to the middle of the page and find the section ‘A song to add to your Christmas playlist.’)
If anyone would like to get involved they can also take part in the Lonely Paws Christmas dance challenge which raises awareness for homeless dogs this Christmas.
Watch the video, plan your moves and get dancing!
Post a video of you, your friends and family doing the dance on your social media, then tag five friends and use hashtags #lonelypawsdancechallenge #birmimghamdogshome
You might also enjoy:
Read more: Derby ghost tour provides festive thrills
Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications said: “We are thrilled that the National Gas Metering team has made this Christmas extra special for us at Birmingham Dogs Home by releasing this touching song in aid of our charity, to help raise donations, just when we need them.
“We have over 200 homeless dogs to care for this winter and the support of the community is vital for us to be here for them.
“The National Gas Metering team has supported us in many ways this year, by fundraising, volunteering, and now by producing and releasing this catchy festive song.
“We are inundated with dogs in need of shelter, medical treatment and care at both our centres near Solihull and Wolverhampton so we hope by raising awareness through music in this way, we will be able to find new homes for more dogs too.
“We are so grateful for all National Gas Metering do and we are all keeping our paws crossed that this memorable song will be 'top of the pups' and the money raised will help us to keep caring for local homeless dogs for as long as they need us until we can find them a home of their own.”