Being raised around animals

This thought has stewed in my mind for quite a bit now; and I don't think I'd be the same had I not grown around other, much smaller cats. I feel like there's definitely some behaviours that rubbed off on me, even though i can't quite put my claw on it. It's like getting raised with cats made me lose my bite, if that makes sense. It made me mellow out, which I don't consider a bad thing. That being said I'd be interested in hearing other folks' experience surrounding pets or other animals you might've been close with when younger, and how it did or did not affect your behavior or even your identity

My bad if this is worded poorly I just got back home and my thoughts are all scattered :x