Have you ever given a cow a belly rub? If you haven’t, you should really put it on your bucket list. I love cows! I delight in the feeling when you walk into the barn, and all you can hear is the conversations being had between the cows and them freely munching on the appetizing feed. There are many reasons why my favorite animal is cows. Cows have great memories, they form close relationships with other animals and humans, and they are affectionate and forgiving. First of all, cows are very smart. If you ever find yourself standing right next to a cow, be nice to her because she will remember you and how she feels for you. Have you ever wondered how cows know where their food is, or even, where their free stall is? That’s because they have a great memory! From experience, I know that some cows like to lay in specific free stalls and when another cow is laying in their spot, the cow will do whatever necessary  to get the other cow up. Cows can also hold grudges against other cows who once treated them badly. Another reason is that cows can form close friendships and relationships. Cows form strong bonds, choosing to spend much time with just a few preferred individual cows and stay away from others. Studies have shown that when with their BFF’s, their stress levels decrease and when separated, their stress levels increase. The mother/calf bond is explicitly strong, and there are never ending reports of mom cows who continue to call and search for their baby even after being taken away or even sold. My last reason is that cows can be very affectionate and forgiving to humans and other furry friends. Cows love to be pet, stroked, and scratched behind the ear, and on their head, neck, and back. Even cows who have been mistreated in the past can heal over time with just a little bit of patience and TLC or tender loving care.. There are many reasons why cows are my favorite animals but these are my three. Cows have a great memory, they form close relationships, and they are affectionate and forgiving. Cows can be and feel just like humans sometimes!