THE STANDARD AMERICA Renee Behinfar cuddling a cow. [Courtesy] Renee Behinfar lives alone in Scottsdale, Ariz. The pandemic has been painfully isolating for her and has left her longing for warmth and touch. On a recent afternoon, she finally was smothered in long-awaited hugs - by a 900kg cow. “It was really my first real hug of the year,” said Behinfar, 43, a psychologist who sought out bovine comfort with a friend. People are signing up to hug cows at sanctuaries across the country, many desperate for affection as the nation approaches a full year of social distancing during the pandemic.