First off, I'd like to recommend the sign I saw on here just days ago & cannot find:
My Yorkie Is Smarter Than Your Honor Student....and put that right on your desk! Please try not to let them bring you down, they are seriously speaking out of ignorance, IMO. And yes, you do always have a loving, compassionate bunch of people here on YT!
Secondly, I know
exactly how you feel. Some people can be sooo rude & inconsiderate. My one sister repeatedly called Princess a "dumb dog" and while that may not bother some, I had to bring it to her attention. (this was after she held the door open at my mom's for 2-3 mins. & princess ran out--duh!)
Just the other day I said how I called the vet because I fed Princess some green pepper then got worried I shouldn't have (they said it was fine) but she said "what? you actually called the vet??" My response was "Yes, just like I used to call the Peds. when Jazz was little or call the pharmacist, whatev....it's no different to me.
I CHOSE to buy this dog just like I CHOSE to have my child, why should I not be equally responsible for them? They are living, breathing creatures that I believe were sent into my life for a reason.