What is causing this weepy, sentimental attitude regarding animals?

I never noticed or thought about animals most of my life. Now we’ve had two bichons for six years living inside and for the last few years I’ve teared up and even cried just reading articles on pets. Late last year one of our dogs almost died, my chest ached and now she’s fine but I think the experience has left me even more in love with pets. I’m pathetic. Is it aging in general or has my consciousness been raised? I can’t ask anyone about it because I’ll start crying and look like a fool. I don’t even act like this about my own children. I should be ashamed of that fact. When the ASPCA ads come on tv I have to change the channel or I’ll be a total mess. Some days I’m worse than others.