DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have some horses I used running a camp for kids. I received money from the kids, so it paid for them. There are no more grants, and I’m not making money with the animals. Is there some help I can get to help feed them? — Going Broke via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots found one possibility. The Farm Bureau Horse Council has some sources for free hay. Call 800-639-2126 and ask for Jasmine.

You might also check this website, http://umaine.edu/livestock/hay/. It has sources for hay for sale from local farmers. Perhaps one of them will make a deal with you. Sun Spots has a friend who has traded feed for riding lessons for the farmer’s daughters.

If you are done using the horses, you might consider selling them or giving them away. Sun Spots got a horse for Christmas when she was 15 and it was a pretty good gift!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am thinking about getting a pet goat for my children. Someone told me that the state gives away the animals that it takes from people who can’t take care of them. Where do they go after the state takes them? Are they free? — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots emailed with Liam R. Hughes, director of Animal Welfare in the Maine Department of Agriculture, who said:

“The Animal Welfare Program investigates complaints from all over the state of Maine. We only have five agents so we work with the local animal control officers and law enforcement to address as many complaints as we can.

“If animals have to be seized or put into protective custody, we have partnered with almost all of the shelters in the state to house and care for the animals while we wait for court dates or custody hearings.

“Once the court case is over and custody is granted to the Animal Welfare program, we ask for the help of the shelters to try and rehome those animals whenever possible.

“There are many animals in need of finding their forever home. Working with licensed shelters and rescue groups is the best way to find the perfect match for the pets and your family. The link below is for the Maine federation of humane societies. If someone were interested in adopting an animal in need this would be the best place to see what shelters are closest: www.mainefederationofhumanesocieties.org”

Sun Spots has adopted several shelter pets. They are a good deal, but there is often some fee for doing so, depending on the shelter and the kind of pet.

There are also several horse rescuers operating in Maine, including Rockin’ T Equine Rescue in Lisbon Falls, 353-6581, and the Double B Equine Rescue, 778-3856. They might get the occasional goat.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Saturday, Dec. 10, from noon to 5 p.m. downtown Lisbon Street will be filled with holiday cheer. The first Festival of Arts & Lights will feature over a dozen locations inside and outside filled with high-quality artisans selling great gifts such as jewelry, pottery, wood working, wreaths, poinsettias, scarves and more!

If Sun Spots’ readers are looking for that perfect original gift for someone, this is the place to find it. Plus, activities for the children such as snow painting and snowflake making and the adults will not be overlooked with an offering of an afternoon wine tasting and chair massages. To enhance the holiday atmosphere the festival will feature roving carolers.

We are in need of more groups interested in participating and offering their traditional or nontraditional songs. If your chorale/church group would like to join in on the fun, please call me at 784-8397. — Sandy Marquis, magumba55@gwi.net

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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