I admit most of us on YT are not typical pet owners. I would have flipped out too. I would never treat my Yorkies that way. Nor would you or most of us who belong to YT.
My Mom- inlaw is the sweetest, nicest, most unselfish, Christin lady I know. She would go hungry to feed a needy friend. But She would not think there was anything wrong with what happened. She probably would have put the dog in the garage or in the yard. She really doesn't think that dogs belong in the house at all. When she was growing up the farm dogs never set a paw in the house, ate table scraps, and did their job. They hunted to put meat on the table, barked at strangers and killed rats and other vermin that bothered the livestock. And brought the cows in from the pasture. Mom understands about routine shots and getting them 'fixed' and that is ok with her. She has never had a pet. She would never let a dog lick her face, sleep in her bed, or spend money on getting its teeth cleaned, buying special food, toys or clothes. Because it is an animal. It is JUST a dog.
My Mom- inlaw has a world view that is so different from mine. She is my Hubby's mother and I love her, but I sure wouldn't ask her to watch my Yorkies. Maybe your family feels like, IT IS JUST A DOG, and wonder why are you so upset.