Kirsten, everyone else has said it so well. I understand where you are coming from. Although my parents/husband/my moms side of the family all respect and love animals, I am by FAR the most animal crazy person of us all.
Sometimes, people just dont understand about our passion for animals. We truly love them, we adore them, we even look up to them in many ways. They are our babies, and should be treated with respect by anyone whom respects you. He might not think it is important, but you do, and that should be the main issue to him, your mother, or anyone else who loves you.
You did nothing wrong, honestly. If someone would have so much as touched my animals in a threatening way, or even in a playful (but scary to the animals) way, I would have kicked some butt.

Everyone who knows me knows that there are 3 things you just DONT mess with *Family including pets, friends, and money*
Dont be hard on yourself! Like everyone here said, We support you, understand you, and believe in you. *HUGS* Katie

Please give Lily a kiss for me