The desire to squeeze and hug cute things comes from the same place in your brain as aggression.
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Sergeant Stubby was the only war dog to be promoted to sergeant through combat in WWI. He saved his regiment from surprise mustard gas attacks, found and comforted the wounded, and even once caught a German spy by the seat of his pants, holding him there until American Soldiers found him.
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Squirrels will sometimes adopt orphaned baby squirrels that they’re related to.
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In 2011, archaeologists discovered the skeletal remains of a Roman couple who have been holding hands for 1,500 years.
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Some British police cars carry a teddy bear to console children after an accident.
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Ten seconds of hugging a day increases levels of oxytocin, which can reduce blood pressure, thus cutting the risk of heart disease.
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