random, interesting quote

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Hello,I've been trying to figure out what might be the meaning of "lover of man and beast alike". Could you help me, please. Thanks in advance.

"Just five months ago, I had $150 in my pocket and big plans in my head.In those days, I was Arturo Bandini, lover of man and beast alike."

Besides the obvious, loving people and animals, I think it's a figurative way of saying he was very happy with his life.
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