That's very sweet!
I don't think it's silly at all! Our dog was dumped and likely abused as a pup. He's about 3.5 years now & it's taken him a while to warm to caresses. He may never be mr.cuddly -which is hard-cuz he looks & feels like a big ball of soft fur. But he likes to be near us, loooves tummy rubs & when I help him extend his legs' stretch.
I'd like to learn more about using touch when we're in public when he's most nervous around people. A home video of doggy yoga/acupressure would be useful!