DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was at dinner with two friends, and one shared the terrible news that her beloved dog had been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer.

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The only treatment is to make the dog comfortable for as long as possible, probably not more than a few months.

In tears, she said, “This is our kid” — and the other friend stiffened.

The other friend and I both have children, and I knew what she was thinking, but I hoped the grieving friend wouldn’t notice her reaction. Unfortunately, she did, and when she asked about it, the other friend opined that a pet and a child were two different things.

My grieving friend looked at me for support, and I just froze. I’ve lost a beloved cat — a one-in-a-thousand cat, best cat I have ever had, she’s still the wallpaper on my pho

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