Feeling down after a tough day, eagerly anticipating a nap, or simply in the mood for some warmth? Cuddles might just be the answer! Everyone knows that a good snuggle can be one of the most comforting things in life. For one particular dog, cuddling with his best friend is more than a pleasant activity—it’s a way of life.
Meet Watson, a dog with an immense love for cuddling. He recently gained fame on YouTube for his heartwarming snuggle sessions with his friend. Interestingly, Watson’s cuddle buddy isn’t a human but another dog!
In the viral video, Watson’s owner asks her pets, “who is a good boy?”
In the dog world, being called a “good boy” is a top-tier compliment. When Watson is asked this, he does something extraordinary. Instead of accepting the praise for himself, he barks, trying to communicate something to his owner.
The reason soon becomes clear.
When his owner repeats the question, Watson moves over to his friend Tiko. Demonstrating the epitome of friendship, Watson tries to show his owner that Tiko deserves the title of “good boy.” Since dogs can’t speak, Watson uses his actions instead. He walks over to Tiko and hugs him, just like a human would.
This adorable moment highlights the deep affection Watson has for Tiko. In another clip, Watson can be seen cuddling with his friend again. When given the choice to snuggle with anyone, he always chooses Tiko, trying to get as close as possible. He loves Tiko like a brother.
There is substantial science supporting the benefits of cuddling.
Cuddling is beneficial for both humans and dogs. When you cuddle with a loved one, your body releases oxytocin, a hormone that calms you and helps you manage stress better—according to WebMD.
From a young age, humans appear to have an innate desire for touch.
Touch triggers the release of special hormones while also reducing stress hormones. Research by Dr. Tiffany Field found that massaging premature babies helps them gain 45 to 50% more weight and allows them to be discharged from the hospital about six days earlier than those who don’t receive consistent touch. Incorporating more touch into preemie healthcare could save approximately $10,000 per baby, resulting in an annual saving of $4.7 billion given the 470,000 preemies born each year.
For dogs, touch signifies being part of the pack.
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Beyond being a kind gesture, sleeping and cuddling in the canine world signifies friendship and inclusion in the pack. When dogs cuddle with someone, they’re expressing acceptance and inclusion in their close-knit group. In many ways, this isn’t so different from humans, is it?
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