I can see his point about the quilt, especially the how much was spent on it. Also I see your point point, when a quilt is given to another, it is theirs to do as they see fit.
Perhaps you can suggest what we do:
With our 4 dogs we cover the bed during the day with a sheet or two just in case they manage to sneak in for a nap. My husband has the night shift with the dogs. He wakes up about 3 am lets them out for a potty break. Cover most of the bed with the sheet to cover most of the bedding while I am still sleeping. One or two of the dogs get "Gramma time" and they get to sleep with me in the bed for 3 or 4 hours (husband calls it bonding time).
Or take the quilt off the bed at night as use another well loved quilt or bedspread.