Yes, that's exactly it in my case: I love all animals. Everything but cockroaches and mosquitoes, LOL! But seriously, I'm the one picking up a lost earthworm and putting it back in a moist grassy patch rather than have anyone step on it. Snails, slugs, ladybugs... all critters. And when it comes to cute mammals that recognize and interact with us -- rats being THE BEST pet rodent I've had the pleasure of owning -- well...
Thanks for your post.