Ever cuddled a cow before? I’m really not kidding—cow cuddling is a thing, and it’s a thing people swear by for reducing stress, releasing endorphines, and basically just feeling a lot more happy. While cow cuddling started in Europe a few years ago, bed-and-breakfasts in the United States have jumped on the bandwagon and added the special service to their list of offers to guests seeking ultimate relaxation.
There’s nothing like watching funny cat videos or laughing over adorable doggie memes to make your day way better, unless you actually get to hug and cuddle the animals.
For years, humans have turned to animal friends for companionship, comedy and comfort. Dogs have always been labelled man’s best friend, and cool cats became friendlier after cat cafés took the world by storm, first popularised in Japan in the early 2000s.
Chilling with cute kitties while sipping on cuppas warmed people’s hearts, and when Japan opened its first piglet cáfe in May of this year, Mipig + Cafe, where customers can cuddle little micro piglets, the transition was easy.
Other animal friend trends include goat yoga, which was introduced to the world in 2016 by Oregon farmer Lainey Morse. Goat yoga involves practicing yoga stretches and breathing exercises while surrounded by sweet little goats who are there for companionship and happiness.
Enter cow cuddling. Netherlands native Suzanne Vullers and her husband own Mountain Horse Farm, a luxurious 33-acre retreat in upstate New York where you can cuddle cows for US$75 (S$104) per hour as part of the relaxation experience.
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“Cows have this wonderful quality that when they are processing their food they like to lay down,” Vullers said to CNN.
“They become really quiet, and it’s a beautiful opportunity to connect with them.”
