"Mrs. Burt hugged her friend and the dogs attacked her," the sheriff's office reported. Her husband shot the dogs to release ...

Solo Option: Hug a pet, pillow, or even yourself! Self-hugs release oxytocin too. Go for 20 Seconds: It takes 20 seconds for oxytocin to surge. Mindful Embrace: Focus on the moment—no distractions.

A 78-year-old East Alabama woman who visited her neighbor's mother died this week after her neighbor's dogs attacked the elderly woman while the two friends embraced in a hug, authorities say.