Typically very tactile experiences such as petting an animal which may be at say a petting zoo or you own cat, dog or other creature such as a hamster often is a way of letting go of certain feelings and emotions we are feeling.
Sometimes though it can be animal itself that initiates to doing things that makes us happy, such as sitting on your lap or climbing onto your shoulder.
I'm hardly unique in that I find human affection really helpful such as soft affectionate cuddles, an arm around a shoulder if I'm upset all helps.
Hair strangely enough is something that does too from having it brushed, washed, cut and say braided or otherwise put into a style so it's hardly surprising I feel much better from going from the hairdressers in itself never mind how the actual appearance helps me feel, adding to my confidence.
