Anyone else connect with animals/kids in a way you never did with people?

Ok, hear me out. Lately, I've been wondering if this is just a result of my emotional neglect as a child. Maybe the reason I am so obsessed with dogs (or other animals) and babies and kids and cannot tear my eyes off of them every time I see one is because I feel loved/special when they give me their attention. And they do that in a way that no one ever has in my life. That's why I keep staring at them like an idiot every time I see one in public. Waiting for them to look back and somehow "see me" in a way no adult ever has. To make me feel special, loved, and seen.