We know from the thousands of calls to our Blue Cross pet bereavement support service (PBSS) every year that losing a pet can bring up the same feelings of despair and loneliness as the loss of a human loved one (Why dead pets matter, Family, 5 December). Talking to someone who understands can make all the difference, and PBSS offers confidential support, comfort and practical advice. We are open 365 days a year for anyone struggling with the loss of a pet and for parents to help children to deal with losing their four-legged friend.
Tracie McGrory
Pet Bereavement Support Service manager, Blue Cross, bluecross.org.uk
• We read that “Rivals do battle for £11bn sunken treasure” (Report, 7 December). Colombia, a US salvage firm and Spain all claim the booty. They are obviously wrong. British warships sank the San José, so clearly the spoils belong to us. I feel sure that Osborne won’t let £11bn slip away a second time.
David Hurry
Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex
• Some great ideas for Christmas giving (From goats to gloves, 5 December), but if you really want to feel flushed with success, twin your toilet. The charity Toilettwinning.org will provide a family with a loo for about £60 in parts of the world where basic sanitation is desperately lacking.
Geraldine Blake
Worthing, West Sussex
• My granddaughter’s nativity play will feature an octopus, some owls, the character of Elsa from Frozen, and the baby Jesus played by a five-year-old girl. I wonder if other readers have encountered similarly creative variations on a time-worn theme?
Andrew Fleming
Clifford, Herefordshire
• Further to Richard Mangan’s letter (7 December): Cleo Sylvestre was the first black British-born actress to appear at the National Theatre. Pearl Prescod was born in Trinidad.
Stephen Boswell
Grand Theatre, Leeds
• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com
