I am that person, the one who makes eye contact with all the dogs before any of the humans!
My mum tells the story of a 2y.o, blond curly haired, bright eyed Julia being bowled over by an excited, fluffy Maltese pup. Instinct told her was about to start balling tears and screaming. She was wrong, I giggled and giggled and rolled in the grass as the pup licked my face. While it's less than likely that a Maltese pup is going to bowl me over anytime soon, not much else has changed. I don't remember meeting a dog who didn't make me glow with a big goofy smile and immediately improve my day a hundred fold.
Don't let my anecdote deter you my feline friends, my time-keeping bunnies, or my squawkers and shakers I love you all! We'll have great chats and get to know each other. I promise not to be over zealous on the belly scratches and won't make you chase any sticks - unless thats what you want :)...