Or yard!! Sometimes they want the practitioner to "Follow me!"

"Pets often know where healing is needed, and will shift their bodies until the practitioner's hands are in the most useful spot. If an animal has skin irritations, joint pain or a general mistrust, it may be uncomfortable with direct contact on its skin. In these situations, the hands are held a few inches from the body, which helps to soften the feel of the energy without lessening its flow."
- Susan Mack