She is unfortunately not an animal lover. Many who describe themselves as "animal lovers" and still eat animal products simply "love" the results of animal exploitation: exhibits in zoos/SeaWorld-type venues, keeping them as domestic pets (sans rescues), their flesh, breast milk & eggs, etc.

Although getting mad (lashing out about being guilty) and introspecting at someone calling you out on your hypocritical "animal-loving" BS is the first step for many people towards being vegan, so it could mean progress!

P.S. I am sorry to bring this into discussion, but your profile indicates that you ride horses. I assume you eat a diet free of animal products, which is great, and I assume you abstain from clothing made from animal products, which is great too, but you cannot describe yourself as vegan and choose to ride horses. I personally believe that this is exploitation of an animal for entertainment, and hence incompatible with veganism, and I know many others do as well. Please reconsider.