Dear Sun Spots: Thank you for this informative column. I have a suggestion to make regarding Medicare “D” prescription plan. We have been in this plan since January now, and many of us have reached the “Donut Hole” of the plan and cannot afford the medication we need.

With Father’s Day coming up, wouldn’t it be a nice to give our fathers, or anyone else, a certificate at his or her favorite pharmacy? Wouldn’t this help a lot of older people? It probably would be much more appreciated than a new tie! Thank You. – No Name, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for a small female puppy/dog for free or little money. I am on Social Security and stay home all the time and would like a companion. Please call me at 577-2378. – Eva in Auburn.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots contacted the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, 3312 Hotel Road, Auburn, ME 04210, 783-2311. They are open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday’ from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also find them online at www.gahumane.org. According to Allison at the society, there is a senior adoption program, that is not free, but is half the usual cost. For instance, an adult cat would cost $75, seniors would pay half of that. Seniors wishing to participate in this program should be at least 65 years old. They are also only eligible to adopt those animals 5 years old and up, spayed and neutered,

In the meantime, you and other column readers might note the shelter is in need of Wal-Mart gift cards to purchase discount gas, HP Ink Jet cartridges – black 45 and color 78, laser paper and labels, copier paper, office supplies such as stamps, staples, No. 10 envelopes, 37-cent stamps, kitten and cat food both dry and cans, Clorox Bleach (they can’t use Clorox Ultra), liquid laundry detergent, Soft Scrub, 33-gallon trash bags, pine shavings, bagged Timothy Hay for the little critters, rabbit/guinea pig food and treats, paper towels, toys for cats and dogs, treats for cats and dogs, cat litter (not Scoopable, please) and spray bottles for cleaning.

Dear Sun Spots: In response to Cheryl McLean’s request for D-15 repellent from Amway (Quixtar), I find only their new repellent called Chase-MM. If she is interested in ordering some, she can contact me at 369-0769. Thank you. – Adrianne Gallant, Rumford.

Dear Sun Spots: Does anyone know where I can get a list of which native Maine plants are endangered? And, are there any organizations out there who would like the names of which plants are growing on your property and how many, especially the endangered ones? Thank you. – No Name, Lewiston.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, according to www.mainenaturalareas.org, Maine Natural Areas Program, 157 Hospital St., State House Station #93, Augusta, ME 04333, 287-8044, you will find a list posted online. You might also note the definitions:

Endangered – Rare and in danger of being lost from the state in the foreseeable future, or federally listed as endangered.

Threatened – Rare and, with further decline, could become endangered; or federally listed as threatened.

Special Concern – Rare in Maine, based on available information, but not sufficiently rare to be considered threatened or endangered.

Possibly Extirpated – Not known to currently exist in Maine; not field-verified (or documented) in Maine over the past 20 years.

In addition, the site notes if a landowner is interested and the site qualifies ecologically, MNAP staff may visit the site and conduct a field survey using standard Heritage Methodology. Field surveys are best conducted during the growing season (mid-May to mid-October), with June through August being optimal.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to sunspots@sunjournal.com.