Awww sweetie
I can understand how bad that must make you feel. Especially since you never knew that she was thinking these things. Does your niece own dogs? I think sometimes people who aren't big "dog" people, or people who don't own dogs, don't really understand how we
truly feel about them. Also, some people see their dogs as just "DOGS" - however, I think most would agree with me when I say that to US (YT members) we see them as OUR BABIES.
Some people just DO NOT understand that. And that is ok. I actually feel sorry for THEM because they will not ever know how WONDERFUL it is to truly love an animal SO MUCH.
Just keep your chin up sweetie. Let others think what they will. It doesn't matter
You love your babies, and they love you - that's all that counts!