LiveWire

The Netherlands now has three “care farms” specializing in cow-cuddle therapy (or as they say it, “koeknuffelen”). Originally used as therapy for special needs children, care farms now cater to children and adults with behavior problems, overstressed managers and the just plain curious. Marente Hupkes, the cow-cuddling pioneer, thinks it has something to do with the cows digestive system. I think she may be trying too hard with that explanation, especially considering cows are notorious for the gaseous finish of that process. Her “cowmunnication” theory sounds more realistic, literally getting in touch with nature. There is no scientific proof that cuddling with cows is soothing, but the response from cuddlers is an overwhelming “ja”.

The calming effect of cuddling cows

People with burn out, relationship problems and hyperactivity can cuddle up to a warm 700-kilo cow. Farmer Marente Hupkes has pioneered the cow-cuddling therapy. She thinks the healing effect has to do with the ordering of the digestion process of ruminates, as cow have four stomachs and chew on their cud.

“By cuddling up to the cow, people who are stressed feel her calmness.”

The cows seem to like it too. It’s a perfect Dutch treat.

(To submit a cow tale, contact me at pats at tammybrucedotcom)