The power of touch

I would consider myself to be a touchy feely person who likes to give and receive hugs, and I like to make others feel good.  I always find myself smiling when I give or receive a hug also.  I know others are the complete opposite and would rather be hit by a car than give a hug to someone.  And, that's ok. 

Well, yesterday one of my baby dogs, Harris (Diddle), was in a dog fight and got beat up pretty badly.  He is a little dog, with little dog syndrome, and sometimes runs stray dogs out of our yard, and in yesterday's case, the road.  Luckily I was able to see it happening and it did not turn worse.  Poor Diddle could be dead right now because the other dog had probably 50 pounds on him.

Anyway, after the fight I sprayed some bactine on the main gash, hole, crater, whatever it is, and went to my sister's for the afternoon.  When I got home last nite, Eric mentioned that Diddle had been in his crate all afternoon and wouldn't come out.  It was so sad seeing him lying in there and he was whimpering, too.  I was able to coax him out and I wrapped him in a blanket and took him outside to pee (he has old man bladder, therefore I knew he needed to go BAD).  When he came back inside he went and sat in his comfy, soft bed but just stared at the wall and shook.  I felt terrible for him!

I wasn't really up for getting blood or anything on me, so I decided to wrap him in a blanket and put him in the chair with me.  I swaddled him like a little babe and snuggled him in tight with me (:  I rubbed his head and ears and he was able to calm down and go to sleep.  

It just reminded me that the power of touch is such a powerful tool for all living mammals.  I can think back to other instances with people who were feeling down, were sad, or just needed something positive and how just by comforting them with some form of touch, it changed the situation.  Even think how a simple handshake with someone makes you feel differently (or at least it does me!).

I hope baby Diddle recovers from this.  I rescued him 10 years ago from the streets, and although we don't know his exact age, he is probably anywhere from 12-15, so he's no spring chicken.  Yes, he is annoying, but I love him so much and don't want anything bad to happen to him.

But next time the opportunity rolls around, reach out and give someone a hug, pat on the back, or a rub on the arm.  I guarantee you that they will feel better (:

scared after the fight.

feeling better.