By Patricia Measer
National Hug Your Pet Day is April 10th. This has been an annual “holiday” for almost 20 years. While there are conflicting stories on exactly when it started and who started it, all the stories agree that this is a day to highlight the benefits of owning a pet and to raise awareness of the needs of animals in shelters.
Studies have proven many benefits of owning a pet, especially cats and dogs. Pets offer unconditional love and endless entertainment. This reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and counteracts loneliness. Pets encourage us to move more, which is also good for our health. Service animals help with medical and psychological crises. And, at least one study showed that if you are looking for a date online, you are more likely to get one if you have a dog with you in your photo. So, get out there and find the right pet for you. Then, you can show your pet your appreciation by giving them lots of hugs… or maybe not.
Hugging is a very human behavior, and is not natural to dogs or cats. It can make a pet feel constrained or even under attack, which causes stress for the animal, initiating the fight-or-flight response. Some pets may enjoy a hug from their owners as a sign of affection. However, it is important to remember that not all species, and not all individual members of a species, enjoy physical contact or attach the same meaning to it as humans do. Some may prefer you to pet or scratch them instead.
Even an animal that enjoys hugs may not enjoy them in certain circumstances. For example, if they are excited, distracted, or in pain, they may not want a hug. They may be reluctant toward someone they don’t trust, such as a child or an overly effusive guest. Also, a hug that is welcome at first can go on too long. Monitor your pet for signs that the hug should stop, such as ears back, tail tucked, growling, snapping or pulling away.
is available for adoption
at the Chautauqua
County Humane Society
in Jamestown.
If your pet doesn’t like hugs, there are other ways to show them your love. They still enjoy your company, so plan time for walks, playing together, or simply snuggling on the couch. Give them a new toy or a special treat, and offer simple petting like head and chin scratches or belly rubs.
Of course, never hug a dog that doesn’t know you. “And definitely don’t hug a new dog in a shelter,” says Brian Papalia, Director of Fundraising and Communications at the Chautauqua County Humane Society (CCHS). “Walk up, give them your scent, and gently pet them from the side.”
Brian says that adopting a pet has its rewards. But he cautions that owning a pet is a long-term decision with responsibilities, so it’s important for both you and the animal to have a good relationship. First impressions may impact that. If you are looking for a pet that is more welcoming to hugs, you may need to meet with several different animals to find the right one, or meet with the same animal multiple times before adopting. CCHS has adoption counselors who work with you and will steer you to the pet that is the best fit. Sometimes they have other animals besides dogs and cats. As of the time this article was completed, “Ollie” the rabbit was available.
If you are not sure about adopting, you can always foster. According to Brian, now is a great time for that, as they have a lot of kittens ready to be placed. He has taken some of them home himself. “Nobody just works here,” he adds. “We all foster some animals, too. They are part of our life.”
Another option is to assist the work of CCHS through donations to help their local initiatives. In addition to finding homes for animals, CCHS also supports keeping pets in their homes. They offer free pet food, distemper shots and microchips to homes that qualify. Last month, they donated over 2800 lbs. of food. They also donate pet food to the Salvation Army food pantry to assist their clients who have pets. Recently, the Chautauqua County Humane Society started working with Meals on Wheels, to provide pet food to seniors who can’t get out to get it themselves.
The Pennies for Paws fundraiser is going on until the end of April. You can leave change in the jars displayed in businesses around town, or you can donate online. Their goal is to collect two million pennies. Make a donation in honor of National Hug Your Pet Day, and remember to give your pet some extra love!
For more information, visit chqhumane.org or call 716-665-2209.