You searched for: “foundling
fondling, foundling
fondling (FAWN dling) (verb)
Gently caressing, stroking, or touching in an affectionate or loving way: Marge was fondling her cat's ears in the evening when the phone rang.
foundling (FOUND ling) (noun)
A baby that is found after being left, or deserted, by its parents or a parent: A foundling, or an abandoned infant, was discovered on the steps of the church and was taken in by the pastor and his wife.

The foundling girl was so sweet and patient; she did not seem to mind the other children fondling its locks of hair.