Wow, can I relate to this. I am a very outgoing person...but I am also the only child of parents who had a VERY volatile relationship. Through all the stress it was our Irish Setter, Ginger, who comforted me. I can't count the number of times I hid in my room hugging her while my parents fought. She was the only one I could count on.
Because of this, I have big trust issues with people....but none with animals. They are so trusting themselves that it makes me feel safe trusting them. I've never met a dog that was not completely honest and pure...even when they are getting ready to bite you, they always let you know where you stand, lol. How a person can abuse a creature like that is beyond me.