Does Hugging a Cow Relieve Stress? Yes – So Does Having a Cow Suck Your Thumb

Have you heard that all the rage is hugging a cow to relieve stress? There's only one way to find out...

Apparently the Dutch do this and it's called koe knuffelen, which translates to “hugging cow.” According to the BBC, 'Cow cuddling is believed to promote positivity and reduce stress by boosting oxytocin in humans, the hormone released in social bonding.'

That's a tall order and there's only one way to find out. Hug a cow. Smiling Hill Farm was kind enough to induldge our curiosity. This is NOT something they normally offer. But Hillary was happy to oblige two curious DJs.

This is Hillary

She is part of the Smiling Hill family and has been around cows all her life. Brittany and I have not. We first met Ravenclaw - a gigantic Holstein.

Ravenclaw was okay with the hugs, but pretty preoccupied with dinner. She has her priorities set. But we did get a hug in!

Ahhhhh, that's sweet. Such a stress reliever...but I'm not sure Ravenclaw thought so...check out the look on her face!

Just saying...seems like this may be more for us then them. Mmmmm. Ravenclaw is 3 years old. Next Hillary took us to a pair that were 6 months old.

The six month old sisters were on the move and Brittany snuck a hug.

I stuck to the selfie..which was quite the feat!

Then Hillary took us to see a 3 week old cow. Well, I lost it. This little guy was so damn sweet - but all she wanted to do was suck my thumb. Who am I to deny her that...treat? (close to teat but not)

Thank you to Smiling Hill Farm for letting us hug, pet, cuddle and be licked and uh milked by their sweet cows. Hope we didn't stress them out - because they really helped chill us out.