It's a good question and an important one. Personally, I think it is because they feel better when we touch them, both physically and emotionally.

There have been studies that show that women in labor literally hurt less when their husbands hold their hands or stroke them. I know that I feel less pain when my mate touches me. And then there are whole ranges of healing energy that flow through our hands. I write that as a Reiki Master...a skeptical mystic who was caught by surprise when I encountered this incredible healing force.

 

I think touch conveys more than just physical pressure. I think there are instinctual reactions to certain touches that affect our emotional and mental well being.

I know that Bear LOVES to be touched, and petted, and he will gladly return the favor.

 

I know... sometimes Rem will just wake right up from the middle of a nap to be loved on.

Have any of you seen the video on the rescue poodle that just needed a hug? It made me cry

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You should read this article: The Power of Touch | Psychology Today

It helps explains things a bit better than I can. It eludes that touch is a universal language. If that is the case, I understand with greater depth why animals would be so open to giving and receiving touch from their human companions... its the one language we BOTH speak.

 

Although I knew of the concept, the article was very educating and interesting!





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Humans need touch as well. We thrive on it. I love petting my animals. They are so dang sweet


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My best friend rescued a yellow lab - Zeke. Zeke was abused, we don't know exactly what happened to him. Zeke allows only certain people to touch him.
I feel quite blessed to be one of them - he even lets me stroke his head and he gives me kisses, which is not something he does for most people.

Do you guys think he feels that some touches are loving and some are not so much? Is it the energy of some people? I'm curious about this!

 

I think it's because Zeke has warmed up to you and trusts that you mean no harm, so he therefore enjoys your affection.

 

Isn't it awesome? Goldens feel bonded to their people and it feels good to them to be scratched, especially by those people they love the most.:smooch:

 

Zeke and I bonded immediately, most likely because I was never afraid of him, even though he has always been very, I guess you'd call it fear aggressive? He lashes out, lunges at people and other dogs, and it can be pretty scary.
What makes me curious is why some other people can pet him, and some can't. I don't mean people he totally doesn't trust, there are people he will allow to be in his space, but he moves from them if they try to pet him.

 

I'm sure it's something to do with their energy that they put off... Their demeanor

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