Showing sympathy for the loss of a pet

DEAR AMY: Our good friends recently had to put their family pet of 12 years to sleep, and they are grieving. My husband and I are not pet lovers, and our friends are aware of this. We want to make a meaningful gesture to acknowledge their loss, but we fear coming across as inauthentic since we have never had a family pet. We've told our friends that we love them and are sorry that they are hurting, but is there something else besides a card that would be appropriate as well?

At a LossDEAR AT A LOSS:There is nothing "inauthentic" about acknowledging another person's loss, even if you have never faced this sort of loss yourself. Euthanizing a pet is a very tough choice to make -- and the experience itself can be an ordeal, because this choice often is made after many bouts with illness and treatment. Sending a card is thoughtful. My most recent pet that died -- a gigantic tabby cat -- left an equally massive void in my life. I never expected to receive cards about this loss, but when I did, I was extremely touched by the gesture. You also might make a small donation to your local animal shelter in the family's name. Otherwise, don't worry about your authenticity; just be sincere.

DEAR AMY:My husband and I think you're wrong in your answer to "Brokenhearted Bride," whose husband had cheated on her during their engagement. The husband did not enter into this marriage honestly, so in our minds it is not a marriage. She should ask for an annulment, cut her losses, move on and meet someone deserving of her. Once a liar and cheater in a relationship, always a liar and cheater. How can she ever trust him?

K and DDEAR K and D:Several readers agreed with you that rather than fight for their marriage, this "Brokenhearted Bride" should make a break for it.