Where Is the Love? Many Hug Pets More than Relatives - East Idaho News

Where Is the Love? Many Hug Pets More than Relatives

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Getty 040612 BoyHugsDog?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1333734142411iStockphoto/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Dog owners are certainly fond of their pets, and a new survey reveals some actually hug their pooches more than their relatives and best friends.

A survey commissioned by Beneful Baked Delights found 68 percent of dog owners admitted they hug their four-legged friends more often than certain people in their lives.

Thirty percent of the dog owners surveyed say they hug their dogs more than their relatives, and 26 percent say they hug their dogs more than their best friends.  One in ten women who own dogs admit they hug their pooch more than their spouse of significant other.

Additional findings from the survey of dog owners:

  • 56 percent of dog owners say hugging their dogs makes them smile.
  • 55 percent say it makes them happier.
  • Almost 40 percent of dog owners say hugging their dog makes them forget about the stress in their life.
  • More than 60 percent of dog owners surveyed say when they hug their dog, it returns their affection.

The survey involved 482 U.S. dog owners.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

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