Sigh, I feel your pain, Megan. I have relatives I wouldn't give a stuffed animal to. Including one sister. I actually contacted all the Chow rescues in her area with a "do not adopt" letter. Yeah she takes care of them while she HAS them, but she swaps dogs like most people change underwear. I don't know where she got it.. whole family of responsible pet owner. Grandmother was not only a midwife but the person all the hunters brought orphaned (ie they accidentally shot the mom) animals to (raccoons, deer, rabbits…). LOL, you know in Japan and some other places (I think even NYC) they have "rent-a-pet" programs. That's the only pet she should have.
But many people see all animals them as "just animals".. their value is food/fur/guarding and if they are feeding them, giving minimal care, wow aren't they benevolent. 😞