DEAR SUN SPOTS: How can a pet owner protect his dogs against a neighbor who is bent on harassing them? The dogs are in a fenced yard in the back and side of the owner’s home. Every few days a man who visits next door torments the dogs from behind and on the street side of the fence.

These are very large dogs, well behaved and tame, but accidents do happen when animals are provoked. They would surely be blamed if anyone were hurt. They are rescued dogs who have seen their share of abuse before they came to live in Auburn.

As a friend I hate to see these wonderful pets and their owner upset. Is there any alternative other than keeping them indoors and away from this ignorant trouble-maker? — Dog Lover, Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots called Wendell Strout, the animal control officer for Lewiston and Auburn, and he said that your friend should call police dispatch at 784-6421 the next time the man bothers the dogs. The police will respond and give a warning for disorderly conduct or harassment.

It occurs to Sun Spots that the man might just think he’s “having fun” with them. Many people, especially those who didn’t grow up with pets, don’t know how to interact properly with other people’s animals. What animal lovers see as inappropriate teasing, they see as harmless.

Has your friend explained to the man how it disturbs the dogs, perhaps sharing a bit of their past? If your friend feels completely safe doing so, she could try that. But if there is any doubt, calling the police is the best option.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For No name, Lisbon Falls (Sept. 12) who is looking for a CPR class, I am a CPR instructor in the Lewiston area and would like to help her out with a class. I am putting together a class right now and need four more people for my class of six.

If I don’t answer my phone, please leave a message. — Michelle Cooper, michelle.ritchie-cooper@live.com, 240-0168

DEAR SUN SPOTS: CPR classes are available at United Ambulance Service the first Wednesday of every month. The Red Cross also has courses online. Contact United at www.unitedambulance.com or 782-8414 or the Red Cross at their website. I know there is a fee, but not sure how much it is. Thank you for all the help and information I have gathered and used from your column. You are the best! — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots had the Red Cross website in her answer. Readers can find the Red Cross class look-up page at http://tinyurl.com/dyzp2p.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: St. Dominic Academy will be hosting its sixth annual holiday festival on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Dominic Academy’s Auburn Campus, 121 Gracelawn Road Auburn.

We are looking for local crafters and vendors to participate. Would you like your crafts, products or business to be seen by hundreds of people, all while supporting your Catholic School? Please don’t miss out on this well-attended and well-publicized community event.

Space is limited, so first come, first served. Please also pass the word to any friends who may be interested in participating as well. — Laurie Servidio, laurie.servidio@portlanddiocese.org

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). Please include your phone number. 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 e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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