Coming home after a long day of work and getting a hug from a loved one has long been recognized as a way of washing away the day’s stress. Dogs are a great substitute for human companionship, and plenty of people would argue that a dog’s “emotional” support far outweighs that of any human. Skin contact between a mother and her newborn immediately after delivery is an accepted practice for forming a bond, soothing the baby, and providing a feeling of safety to the newborn at birth. Continue reading the full article.