I hug my dad almost every morning, (unless I'm mad at him for saying something stupid to me). It has done wonders for me. It makes me feel loved and connected. I too prefer animals to human but not necessarily when it comes to family. I do however hate it when a stranger or someone I barely know hugs me. It can make me feel violated.

My mom and I hug once in awhile but she's not very touchy, feely at all.