I have been told similar things.
One of my best friends invited me out a few weeks ago and I couldn't go, because it was the first night home for 4 of our dogs who had been kenneled while we moved into our new place. I told my friend I needed to stay home to help the dogs adjust on their first night home. My friend proceeded to tell me that "my dogs have hijacked my life"... and she was serious!
I felt very sad when she said this to me, because I thought she knew me well, and I thought she understood my connection with animals. It actually made me question the friendship! I told her it was fine if she thought that, but there was no way she was going to make me feel guilty for staying home with my dogs that night instead of going out with her!
So now I really feel like it is a priority in my life to make friendships with people who understand my passion for animals.
It is so nice to hang out with folks who feel the same way. In fact just last night my BF and I met a new friend who has a pit/pointer mix who he loves more than life. We talked dogs for at least 30 minutes! It was great!!!
Sorry so long-winded, I just feel like I can really relate to what you are saying! And I think that the people who don't love animals are really missing out! How could a person live without
dog-love??