Every time something like this comes up there is an influx of comments making fun of dog owners for loving their dogs too much. Just let other people love what they want.
But what if that love causes them psychological and financial damage (like pulling out tons of stops to support an aging dog)? In that case, you're endorsing irrational behavior, and you're doing those people a disfavor.
My cat is a part of my family. I would do anything for him.