Dear Sun Spots: In the “Dear Abby” column of your newspaper there recently was a write-up stating Overeaters Anonymous was available in many areas of the U.S. I could find nothing listed for them in the local phone books. Could you tell me if there are any meetings held in the Lewiston and Auburn areas, or the surrounding areas. Also, if Tapeeraser by Dixon (for typewriter use) is available anywhere for purchasing. Thank you. – No Name, Lewiston.

Answer: Overeaters Anonymous now meets at 10 a.m. Saturdays at CMMC, 12 High St., Lewiston in Conference room H near the Wellness Center. For information, call Rose at 388-2007. Everyone is welcome and there are no fees.

In response to your second question, Sun Spots has not been able to find the product you are referring to. Dixon produces pencils, crayons, markers, paint and chalk, but we could not find any typewriter supplies. Pat Costigan of Cosco Technologies in Winthrop would be happy to help you find the supplies you need. Give him a call at 377-2897 with the make and model number of your typewriter.

Dear Sun Spots: One and a half years after the death of my husband and brother it was suggested to me that I get a dog. At the age of 80 and never having had a pet of any kind this felt daunting to me. With the help of my niece, her husband and my friend and life coach I overcame my doubts and fears and got a 10-week old pug, Taffy. Later when I realized I needed help I was told about a man in Greene who works with dogs exactly the way Caesar Millan does on Nat Geo’s “The Dog Whisperer.” I called.

Sergei is a dog behaviorist and works with psychological issues in dogs. After two hours with Taffy I witnessed some amazing changes. He taught me the importance of exercise, discipline and then affection, in that order. He also had Taffy walking on the treadmill in about five minutes.

I had the opportunity to watch Sergei work with a girl that was hearing and speech impaired. His sincere caring and interest was conveyed quickly. In less than an hour this girl had become a stronger pack leader and was clearly walking the dog, not her dog walking her.

I was also fortunate to go with him to Dover, N.H., where he was responding to a desperate call for help. The owners had been told their dog Bear was hopeless and needed to be put down. Sergei’s deep interest, his tenacity and dedication through four hours of working with Bear has left a lasting impression on me. Bear’s main problem was a lack of exercise. Sergei taught Bear to use the treadmill.

Since knowing Sergei, I have seen his consistent interest and caring as he rescues and rehabilitates dogs from the Augusta Animal Rescue, his pack that he provides a wonderful healthy environment for presently consists of 20 dogs of various breeds. I happened to be there the first day he was working with a new arrival, a pit bull he named Daddy. Daddy was muzzled to protect everyone there and the pack. I do not know what issues needed to be overcome but watching him I was grateful Sergei had a tight hold on him and the muzzle was on. When I went back about a week later Daddy was totally integrated with the pack and looked so happy. Daddy is a beautiful powerful animal that probably would not have survived if it were not for Sergei’s willingness and sincere caring to take the time to rehabilitate him as he has many others.

I am grateful for what he has taught me. Now I am learning to be consistent with this information. – Barbara, Lewiston.

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