"Note to so-called animal lover authors who preach to their readers that one should limit one's financial expenditure on animals when so many humans are suffering":

That's a personal decision and something writers should refrain from imparting advice on. My favourite animal books are Cleveland Amory's "Ranch Of Dreams" & Kat Albrecht's "Lost Pet Chronicles". These writers had the sense to understand that we are willing to devote our time, efforts & money on those we love; it doesn't matter if the object of our affection is a human or an animal. If I have a mentally disabled offspring, would I choose to spend my hard-earned money on my neighbour's brilliant, talented child simply because that would be the more practical thing to do? No! I'd devote my life to my own "useless" child because he's mine & I love him!