What starts the process really are laughs and slights and snubs when you are a kid. If your anger is deep enough and strong enough you learn that you can change those attitudes by excellence personal gut performance.
I've always been an animal lover. I've grown up with dogs my whole life. I think that is what helped me get the role on 'Lassie' I was comfortable around the dog where many of the kids were afraid or intimidated by Lassie.