Dear Amy: Recently, my husband and I lost our sweet greyhound. He was almost 13.

We adopted him at 4, after a career on the racetrack. We are so grateful he came into our lives, and are humbled by the outpouring of support from our friends and family during this difficult time after his death.

I wanted to make a suggestion to your readers supporting people during their time of pet loss. Instead of sending flowers and treats to the grieving humans, consider making a donation to a local pet rescue, especially one from where the pet is from or which works with the grieving owner’s breed.

While I appreciate the gifts that we received, I would feel such a sense of peace knowing that my dog’s legacy was supporting future dogs in finding their furever homes.

– Grieving Dog Mom

Dear Grieving: This is a fantastic idea. Thank you for suggesting it.

I hope it eases your own sadness somewhat to know that your suggestion will likely lead many people toward supporting animal causes as an expression of sympathy for the loss of a pet.

You can email Amy Dickinson at [email protected] or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068.