In my own little research and observation, coupled with my personal experience; I've realised that children who had pets while growing up turn out to be caring and affectionate to fellow humans. I choose to believe that this is partly due to the fact that, they learn to love quite at an early age, making them to be better lovers later in life.
Such people tend to be highly emotional, feel sympathy quite easily towards their fellow humans and also find it easy to care for others.

teebantee: In my own little research and observation, coupled with my personal experience; I've realised that children who had pets while growing up turn out to be caring and affectionate to fellow humans. I choose to believe that this is partly due to the fact that, they learn to love quite at an early age, making them to be better lovers later in life.
Such people tend to be highly emotional, feel sympathy quite easily towards their fellow humans and also find it easy to care for others.

I agree 100%.
Pets do wonders for the emotional well-being of children, as well as adults.
I think you can always judge a person's level of empathy by how they relate to pets.

@OP
I totally disagree as what happens in a child's life is only just another piece of the puzzle. many have pets as children and grow up dysfunctional, thanks to their fukced up upbringing and childhood history. their family history, family background, upbringing etc is what will make a child more adequate in their adulthood, not their love for pets.