I do believe if a vet ever looked at me and said, "an animal is an animal" I would change vets - immediately. IMO part of being a good vet is understanding the relationship that particular pet and his/her owner have.
As far as anyone thinking you are crazy, WELCOME TO THE CLUB!
I learned very quickly to grow a thick skin and not give a rat's behind what anyone thought of the way I treat my "animals". My babies are cleaner, and have better manners than most of them anyway. lol