Sounds like you work with a bunch of 12-year olds. They've found a way to annoy you and they see no reason to stop.

If anything, you should silently pity these people because they have obviously not learned the joy that pets can bring to their lives. Just keep that thought in mind the next time they get rude like this. Also, remember its not all men - our male PT members just as enamoured of their pets as us female members.