I've felt a very deep emotional connection to my pets that goes beyond any sort of caretaker/parent-type relationship. I guess I do with all animals whether they're under my care or not, because often times I feel like I am one. I feel wild.
Honestly, I don't think I've ever felt more at peace than I did when I would be in bed and my cat would come sit on my chest and look into my eyes while purring and blinking slowly. I think I'm probably better able to convey emotion to a pet, too. I'm just not very verbal. I'm thinking back to that list of love languages, and touch and quality time were definitely the highest on my list; I can have both of those with a pet and not have to put my brain through a ringer to squeeze out words that may be totally inadequate or off the mark. Probably something to do with why I love music and art so much, as well.