I was 5-6 years old when I had rheumatic fever, to where my parents weren’t sure I would pull through. This was 1952-53 and we were very poor, I was cared for at home with the neighbor ladies helping mom take turns at my bedside.
When I came out of the fever, I asked for my dogs. Mom & dad NEVER allowed the dogs in the house, but they made an exception during my recovery, letting one dog in at a time, per visit.
They weren’t allowed on the bed, but they did sit quietly beside the bed so I could pet them and hug their necks. They were Shepherd/Collie mixes so plenty big enough for me to reach.