In Praise of the Belly Rub, an Underappreciated Public Good

Columbus — In an age of noise and hurry, we wish to make the case for a humble, unifying institution: the belly rub, freely given and gratefully received.

It asks nothing and offers everything. It crosses every breed and every border. It has ended more disputes than any treaty, usually by the simple act of rolling over and trusting completely.

We urge our readers to participate generously. The cost is two minutes. The return, measured in tail wags, is incalculable.