EASTON, Pa. — Hard day at work?
Moove on over to La Farm Girls at Klein Farms Dairy and Creamery to get some cuddle time with a few professional cownselors for a little relief.
Started just last month, La Farm Girls is pretty simple at heart: You pay a fee and get a limited time to hang out with some calves or a full-grown cow.
But the impact of simply sitting with and petting a cow can be immeasurable when it comes to emotional well-being.
When a cute little calf rests its head on your lap and stares up with its big eyes, you can't help but be at peace.
"They're always my stress reliever, my relaxation, just having these big animals that love you unconditionally."La Farm Girls co-founder Lisa Buccieri
Tucked into the Klein Farms property on Klein Road just outside Easton, La Farm Girls is a burgeoning enterprise for the area, operators Lisa Buccieri and Amanda Klein said.
It's an opportunity to practice mindfulness and relaxation while bonding with animals — an idea that has its roots in both women’s pasts, presents and futures.
According to Psychology Today, cow cuddling likely came into being in the rural Netherlands, “where farmers have long recognized the calming nature of cows.”
The bovine nature of harboring a “serene demeanor and slow, deliberate movement” is proven to have soothing effects on those in their presence, the Psychology Today article states.
Over the years, the practice has spread across Europe, and is now popping up throughout North America.
“As one engages in the act of touching, petting, or even lying beside. these tranquil animals, the body responds by releasing oxytocin, a hormone known for promoting feelings of happiness and reducing stress, the Psychology Today article states.
"This hormone release not only alleviates immediate stress but also fosters a general sense of well-being,”
'My stress reliever, my relaxation'
The La Farm Girls didn’t need to review European history or psychological studies to know that cows are great for mental health. They grew up around them.
Walking down from the small dairy storm to the half-cleared barn in their cow-print shoes, Buccieri and Klein talk about life on the farm, the bond with cows and other animals, and the mutual benefits to both bovine and human.
Buccieri came up on a dairy farm in Northampton, showing dairy cattle, and eventually getting a degree in dairy science at Delaware Valley University.
With no farm to go home to, she changed direction and shifted to a career in the pharmaceutical industry.
Klein also grew up on a dairy farm, one found just a few minutes away from Klein.
A 4-H member since age 10, she grew to love cows, and eventually worked at the Klein Farms store. Klein continues to help out at the farm registering calves, dehorning and vaccinating cows.
And of course, milking them.
“I came up with this idea probably about a year ago," Buccieri said. "I said to Amanda, ‘I realize that whenever I've been stressed out or upset or whatever, I always come back to the cows.'
"And they're always my stress reliever, my relaxation, just having these big animals that love you unconditionally."
Hoofing ahead
Not long thereafter, Buccieri and Klein took something of a trial in connecting others with cows.
“And then we did a Christmas photo shoot with a calf, and probably 90 percent of [people] came specifically to pet the calf and be with the calf,” Klein said.
“And we’re like, ‘Let’s take this a step further and start cuddling.' I mean, just like Lisa said, if I’m having a bad day, I go to Carson, who is our cuddle cow, and get a hug from her or the babies.”
After navigating the legal matters — which were simpler than one would assume, since Pennsylvania is encouraging increased agri-tourism — and the renovation and decoration of a hay storage barn, everything was ready.
"And they just love it. It makes you happy. And some kids weren't sure at first, but then they ended up loving it.”La Farm girls co-founder Lisa Buccieri
As of last month, La Farm Girls has booked sessions for cow cuddling, promoting well-being and camaraderie with those beautiful bovines.
“Everyone that's done it so far has loved it,” Buccieri said.
"They want to come back. And say you've done the cow one, now they want to do the calf one. Or they've done the calf, and they want to come back and do the cow one.
"And they just love it. It makes you happy. And some kids weren't sure at first, but then they ended up loving it.”
Both women agree that cow cuddling offers people assistance with anxiety, “being more in tune with themselves” and a moment of respite from the world.
And a chance to be present, “just focusing on and just playing with the animals.”
La Farm Girls plans a vibrant future: birthday or bachelorette parties, office team-building and other special events are slotted for the months to come.
Unfortunately, visitors will be unable to book a session July 22- 27, as some of La Farm Girls' show cows will be making an appearance at the Plainfield Farmer's Fair — though you can always swing by to say hello.
Cow connections
Entering the barn, you can appreciate the love and care taken to transform the once hay-packed space in a miniature fenced-in lot covered in hay and adorned with cute nostalgic farm tchotchkes.
Once arrived, guests are taken to sign off on some paperwork before they get to enter the penned-in area to chill with their cow or calf of choice.
And though the babies are some of the guests’ favorite stars, Carson the cow has proven herself to be a true ambassador of cuddling.
Buccieri and Klein both said she is exceptionally social, showing affection for children, women and even men.
That last bit might not mean much to most, but a study by Katherine Compitus at New York University and Sonya Bierbower at the United States Military Academy West Point found cows seem to prefer women over men, and at times may be more aggressive toward males.
Thankfully, Carson is perfectly adapted to her duty as a professional cuddling cow, the La Farms Girls said.
'Cows are social animals'
David and Jackie Ceraul of Bangor, who had booked a cuddle session with a couple of calves last Monday afternoon, said they have come to Klein Farms for years.
They said they enjoy the fresh milk and cheese, ice cream, produce and meat they have to offer.
"They're just meant to be loved."Jackie Ceraul of Bangor
“And we like to take the kids," David Ceraul said. "I’ve got nieces, as well — we take them to see the goats. But we love the cows, and we heard about this from them. We just thought was a really great idea."
The couple considers Jackie to be the biggest cow fanatic, with her stating, “I love cows, I love these little grass puppies,” as she strokes one of the young calves peacefully with a wide-eyed smile.
“Animals love socialization, just like anything else," Jackie Ceraul said. 'Cows are social animals; they are not meant to be alone. They're not meant to be away from their families.
"They're just meant to be loved.”
