Although we don’t mean it, sometimes parents are not open to affection when our children need it. We’re busy. We’re on the phone. We’re all dressed up to go someplace and don’t want our make-up smeared or dirty fingers on our clothing. We have to get dinner ready on time or we’ll all be late for the soccer game. If we don’t write this check now our payment will be late. Pets are always ready for a hug or a cuddle and they love to be stroked.