Sarah Elkins, touch is one reason I have dogs! I have been single for a long time, which works fine for me, but touch is still so necessary. My pups snuggle with me, I can rub them and they’re sooooooo happy, and because they need to be walked, I meet my neighbors much more frequently than I might otherwise. (And a couple of women friends are great huggers!)

There is no technology that I can imagine ever equally the value of a wonderful, warm hug. Gotta have them, right?