I believe in treating tools with respect, but not as if they were sentient beings. But to each his/her own, right? It's fine to vent, but don't expect everyone to do as you do.
To me my cards are very special belongings, but not as special as, say, my wedding ring or the quilt my grandmother made for me. They are not pets, either, though they're as important to me as some of my more treasured books.
I do my best not to damage them, within reason. But shuffling is going to take its toll. I have some old, well-used and wearing out decks that I also treasure. I don't feel that I've abused them by letting them get worn. I've used them, as they were intended to be used. I don't pray to or thank my cards. I do pray to or thank the deity(ies) and/or guides that help me read with them. I thank people who allow me to read for them. The cards are belongings, though. I'll treat a plant or tree as another living being, but not my tarot cards. But, you know, I eat plants (animals too, come to that), so even that respect and care goes only so far. I don't think it would serve any higher purpose for me to starve myself in order to keep all plants alive. They are intended for that purpose, I believe that, otherwise they wouldn't be so perfectly suited for that purpose. I feel that way about my cards. They're made to be used, and I use them.