Hugs...

So today is December 3 - and it's "Let's Hug Day" according to the crazy calendar.  Now I did a blog in the past talking about some "research" that indicated that dogs do not, in fact, like to be hugged.  Well.  It turns out that the research was based on a series of casual observations, and not REAL scientific findings.  So forget those "results."  Humans.  It's all in how you twist, I mean "interpret" the data.

The bottom line - just like people - some dogs like to be hugged - and others, not so much.  Now while some research in humans has shown that hugs have health benefits - like reducing blood pressure, I suppose it depends on the hug.  If Aunt Bertha who loves to eat loads of garlic, squeeezes the life out of you when you are 7 years old, you may not be so happy with a hug.  And actually, some countries and cultures don't view hugging as a sign of affection at all.  

In our house, we PONs are not huge huggers.  I mean we don't MIND - but we don't seek out hugs.  My human IS a hugger.  She hugs people she doesn't even know well.  Not total STRANGERS but people she has met before.  At least once.  But not dogs she doesn't know.  

And then we have Astro.  I'm wondering if hugging is a Picard "thing."  I think so.  In fact, when my human went to visit the only other two Picards that she could find in the province, the boy dog stood on his hind legs, put his paws on her shoulders and gave her a BIG hug.  And Astro LOVES to hug.  My human doesn't really mind him jumping on her and giving a big hug- but it could be an issue with visitors.  So he needs to learn to curb his hugability until invited.  Good luck with that!

Anyway - today is a day of hugs - so if you like 'em, go out and give 'em - but be sure the hugee is ready! And if you're looking for a dog to hug - find a Picard!

Have a good one!