I get that sometimes, but I simply reply, Yes, she is just a dog, but she loves me unconditionally, she gives me great pleasure and joy, she never dumps a guilt trip on me and when I leave her to spend time with you she never says, "Oh she's just a person."
My family knows how I am and doesn't say much any more and luckily most of my friends are animal lovers too...because basically they make the best friends!!
