*sigh*
What is the world without pet lovers?
I work with a couple ladies who are farm wives and don't have indoor pets and the other day I was talking about the dog park and the one acted like I was nuts. Kept saying "dog park ha ha'' under her breath, I was getting a little perturbed.
All I can tell you is ignore them, I know it is hard. My parents don't have animals indoors, (or at all) but they love my dog(s), and the tolerate Kylie. And they don't question me taking Keegan and Kylie to the vet, they might not understand what is wrong with them, but they trust my judgement that they need to go. When Keegan was sick on Friday, they called me 3 times within 15 minutes to see how she was.
I know you have had problems with your friends before, you can't tell me you are the only one in your country that believes what you do! I refuse to believe it! Is your mom just set in her ways?
I guess if it bothers you enough then I would tell them that this is what I am doing and this is the way it is going to be! Like or Leave it.

Not much help am I!?