Dogs and touch: some dogs we've known have been touchers; they need to be in contact with their people, whether it's snuggling next to them, or leaning into them while standing, or laying a head on a sitting leg for scritches. Other dogs felt happy just knowing their people were near, sometimes in the same room (where a watchful eye could prevent FOMO) or just the same house. And some cats are also touchers; head butts and lap snuggles and "you may scritch me now — BEHIND THE EARS, doofus!" And puppies and kittens can never seem to get enough!
An interesting addition--as most know, my mom died when I was ten--for a long time (whatever that is in childhood view) I wanted to sleep with my dad. He allowed it for a while, (what's a while? I can't remember) but put an end to saying it wasn't appropriate. I don't think I understood then, but came to as an adult.
Again my memory is foggy, but at some point my son stopped allowing me on his bed. I was a little hurt, because until that point, I'd sat on his bed every night to read with him. There comes a time when parents and children separate. In both instances--somebody else had to draw the line in the sand for me. haha!
The interesting thing is,...in both cases....almost all touch stopped...at least that's how I remember it.
Isn't it interesting how different cultures have different ways of being...touching?
As for dogs and cats?
Well, my cat Samantha was a little psychotic. She'd handle touch until she'd had enough and then she'd start attacking my arm/hand. She had a hidden cut off point.
Mara never met a hand that she didn't want to pet her.
As a wee one, Henrietta was fine with touch and then she started to get really jumpy. Have I mentioned she likes to gnaw on us? I really can't explain it because she was never touched in anything but a gentle way. I've been working on her and she's gotten very tolerant of me. She's still pretty jumpy with the kid. And the husband? She loves to lay next to him.
Deb and I are touch people. Holding hands when going places, touching shoulders when standing together, my arm around her when sitting together. We LOVE the new movie theaters with fold-up arms on the “date seats”!
On one of our recent walks there was a couple who took the same route--in front of us by maybe a quarter mile. They held hands for the entire three mile stretch. ;)
Gail, I think we'll always need touch, some of us more than others. Like Jack, Michael and I are hand-holders. One of my sons is a hugger, the other tolerates it from me. My heart breaks for people who need touch right now, but have to quarantine.
Yes! In particular, I've been thinking about the elderly and those ill with other conditions who are quarantined away from their families. A friend's mother-in-law has stage 4 cancer. They can only see her through the outside window. :(
A young friend in Oregon sent out a plea for others to touch their loved ones with her in mind because she's missing touch so much.
Dogs and touch: some dogs we've known have been touchers; they need to be in contact with their people, whether it's snuggling next to them, or leaning into them while standing, or laying a head on a sitting leg for scritches. Other dogs felt happy just knowing their people were near, sometimes in the same room (where a watchful eye could prevent FOMO) or just the same house. And some cats are also touchers; head butts and lap snuggles and "you may scritch me now — BEHIND THE EARS, doofus!" And puppies and kittens can never seem to get enough!
An interesting addition--as most know, my mom died when I was ten--for a long time (whatever that is in childhood view) I wanted to sleep with my dad. He allowed it for a while, (what's a while? I can't remember) but put an end to saying it wasn't appropriate. I don't think I understood then, but came to as an adult.
Again my memory is foggy, but at some point my son stopped allowing me on his bed. I was a little hurt, because until that point, I'd sat on his bed every night to read with him. There comes a time when parents and children separate. In both instances--somebody else had to draw the line in the sand for me. haha!
The interesting thing is,...in both cases....almost all touch stopped...at least that's how I remember it.
Isn't it interesting how different cultures have different ways of being...touching?
As for dogs and cats?
Well, my cat Samantha was a little psychotic. She'd handle touch until she'd had enough and then she'd start attacking my arm/hand. She had a hidden cut off point.
Mara never met a hand that she didn't want to pet her.
As a wee one, Henrietta was fine with touch and then she started to get really jumpy. Have I mentioned she likes to gnaw on us? I really can't explain it because she was never touched in anything but a gentle way. I've been working on her and she's gotten very tolerant of me. She's still pretty jumpy with the kid. And the husband? She loves to lay next to him.
Touch is very personal?
How do you feel about it Jack?
Deb and I are touch people. Holding hands when going places, touching shoulders when standing together, my arm around her when sitting together. We LOVE the new movie theaters with fold-up arms on the “date seats”!
On one of our recent walks there was a couple who took the same route--in front of us by maybe a quarter mile. They held hands for the entire three mile stretch. ;)
That would be us! We hold hands during our trips outside around the neighborhood — they get a little sweaty, now that we don't need gloves. 😁
Gail, I think we'll always need touch, some of us more than others. Like Jack, Michael and I are hand-holders. One of my sons is a hugger, the other tolerates it from me. My heart breaks for people who need touch right now, but have to quarantine.
Yes! In particular, I've been thinking about the elderly and those ill with other conditions who are quarantined away from their families. A friend's mother-in-law has stage 4 cancer. They can only see her through the outside window. :(
A young friend in Oregon sent out a plea for others to touch their loved ones with her in mind because she's missing touch so much.