The Comfort of Cow Cuddles

Introduction

In an article written on March 13, 2021 by Scott Simon of NPR, he discusses the fact that more Americans are hugging cows and paying in some cases $75 an hour to do so. In the midst of the global pandemic this phenomenon has caught on likely because we haven't been able to hug our loved ones or perhaps we have gone completely stir crazy from the lockdowns.

(8) The unusual Dutch wellness trend travelling the globe — BBC REEL — YouTube

Body

The global pandemic has ensued now for over a year and millions have lost their lives to covid-19. With lockdowns, an unstable economy, and general unrest amongst citizens people are looking for some kind of comfort. Enter beloved bovines for the win. “Feeling cows warm and slow heart rate can release oxytocin which is the chemical released in human bonding” Simon says.

Simon also mentions that farms across the U.S. are booked months in advanced. To get your arms around a cow there is a $75 hourly rate for the experience. This might be a good application for the new stimulus checks we received over the year.

Experience: I was crushed by a cow | Farming | The Guardian

“The cows are willing to be hugged, even eager.” Simon says. You don't have to worry about getting trampled by the 2,000 pound beast. The cows at the Vullers’ farm in New York are gentle giants and seem to love the hugging as much as the patrons. Hopefully the trend is the same throughout the nation as people are lining up to hug cows. It would be a shame to see a lonely human smothered, while trying to get their cuddling fix. Mike Scriven in the article above was not so lucky however.

Conclusion

The virus has affected us in many different ways. Mental struggles is one of them. By not being able to see our loved ones and just needing to get outside and do something, the cow cuddling phenomenon has caught on. What will be next for us while we wait for the end of the pandemic? Maybe something more invigorating like the rush you get from slapping a grizzly bear. For now though, make your reservation at the local farm to get your cow cuddle.