Americans can go a little crazy in their adoration of the family dog or cat. The lucky pets get the best veterinarian care, teeth cleaning, yearly shots and primping at the dog groomer.

I admit this pretty much describes me and the four-legged little ones at my house. That’s why I didn’t think it bizarre when I read about a New York couple hiring a taxi to spare their cats, Pretty Face and Cleopatra, a trip in an airliner cargo hold. The couple recently made the cross-country ride to northern Arizona, a trip of 2,500 miles.

They met the cab driver in Manhattan three months ago and jokingly invited him to come along on their coming move. The gag became reality and their pets rode with them in comfort to Sedona.

Pet owners must fend off criticism of the attention they give their pets. We alone understand how our pets add another dimension of love to our lives.

Yet we may hide it from friends when a pet dies, thinking they wouldn’t understand what we’re going through.

I had to have my beloved 13-year-old dog and 17-year-old cat put down within the past two months. Their bodies turned against them and we were oblivious to their pain. It was so sad to say goodbye, but their going was peaceful.

Sympathy cards and emails arrived from friends who understand the human-animal bond.

“Everyone knew Lenny,” wrote one. Indeed, he was always ready to ride shotgun in my little car. Their kind words help me heal.

Grief for an animal is still grief. Because it goes deeper than you think others will understand, one may keep it quiet until asked if anything is wrong. If you know a friend who is grieving, take time to visit or call. A walk through a garden or along the beach in silence can often mean more than small talk.

Stop and pick up some ice cream before you arrive at your friend’s house. The click-click of spoons can replace conversation and is a simple way of showing you care.

Be a friend by being there. You will both grow from the experience.

Jason Wallin is President’s Scholar

Jason Wallin, a 1995 OHHS graduate and former employee of Oak Harbor School District, recently graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA from Central Washington University. He had a triple major and received a bachelor of Arts in psychology and anthropology, and a bachelor of science in primate behavior and ecology.

During the Honors Convocation, Jason was recognized as a President’s Scholar (top 1 percent of his graduating class,) received the University Medallion Award for the highest GPA in the College of the Sciences, and a Certificate of Achievement for his honors thesis in the Science Honors Research Program. He was chosen to be the student speaker for the event.

In a testing of 10,000 psychology majors across the nation, Jason placed 15th. He is a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Alpha Sigma Lambda, Psi Delta Omega Chapter. He has been accepted into the masters program at Central where he will continue his studies in experimental psychology.

Jason is the son of Gary and Martha Wallin of Oak Harbor. In honor of his graduation and 30th birthday, his family will host an open house at the family home on Saturday, July 28, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Brenda branches out business

On July 2, BRENDA MARTI, owner of Brenda’s Front Porch on SE Pioneer Way, will open another shop.

It’s called Home Ingredients and is located at 715 Fidalgo, by The Gallery Spa.

“At Front Porch, we sell mostly gifty items. At the new Home Ingredients, we will offer home décor items and accessories, and help customers find the look they want.

“The look is more Pottery Barn, black tables and beachy stuff,” Brenda said. She’d love to welcome you. Call 279-9430.

Check out Jazzbones

Friends of mine have and enjoyed VICCI MARTINEZ, a Tacoma acoustic-based singer-songwriter who performed recently.

Coming this Friday is Capt. Sea Horse based out of Bellingham, and on Saturday, their DeeJay spins Top 40 funk.

Dinner is served at 7 p.m. and music follows at 9 p.m.

TERRY SUZUKI is the owner of this Jazzbones and another in Tacoma. The club is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 279-2528. So get out there and show some moves.

One last word: dogs and cats are extremely frightened by firecrackers, so please keep pets indoors over Independence Day.

Call 675-6611 or write to me at lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com.