DEAR SUN SPOTS: Apparently a neighborhood dog, allowed to run free, has begun using my yard as its own personal bathroom. I’m at a loss as to how to stop this. Judging from the “presents” he’s left me, this has been going on for a while.

I’ve attempted to clean up most of it, and I’ve used a spray, but of course, as soon as I sprayed it rained. I’ve never seen a dog roaming free so I’m guessing this is happening at night. Suggestions anyone? — Betty Snowman, [email protected]

ANSWER: Sun Spots can think of several things, but they could be expensive to implement, such as a motion-sensored night vision camera or a motion sensor tied to a water sprinkler.

You could use a Havahart trap and capture the dog, then call the animal control officer. People are not allowed to let their dogs run free in the city. Or it might be a stray. In these hard times, people are abandoning their pets with increasing frequency.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Would you know of anybody that buys leftover yard sales things. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots gets this question regularly, but she has not had much of a response. She recommends a charity.

Sun Spots checked her Rolodex and realized she does not have a complete list of local charities. She therefore requests that all charities interested in being included in her list write to her at [email protected] and include the following:

* Name of organization

* Address, phone, website, email

* Hours of operation

* Items organization accepts

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the person looking for lids for her totes (Aug. 14), I have some extras for Rubbermaid numbers 2214 and 2215.

I think they also fit the 14- and 18-gallon tubs that Lowe’s sells, which are a carbon copy of the Rubbermaid tubs.

Currently, I have six forest green and 10 hot pink lids in my office, and I think I have some red, blue and gray ones in overhead storage. — Bill, Auburn

ANSWER: Bill is a colleague of Sun Spots and can leave the lids for pickup in any Sun Media Group office.

According to the Rubbermaid website, the two lids Bill has will fit bins just under 24 inches long, 16 inches wide and either 9 or 16.5 inches deep.

You can email Bill at [email protected] to get your choice of lids.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you tell me if and when the Sun Journal publishes the dean’s list for University of Southern Maine? — C.F. via email

ANSWER: The Sun Journal does publish those results. All matters of record (school honor rolls, dean’s lists, marriage and birth announcements, court logs, etc.) are published as they arrive from the institution and as space allows in the paper. There is no schedule for them.

If you are looking for a specific name, you could go to sunjournal.com and search. Then, if you’ve missed that paper, call customer service and buy one.

Current subscribers can purchase five additional copies at half price. Nonsubscribers are charged full price. Our office at 104 Park St. in Lewiston is open from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The phone number is 800-482-0759, ext. 1181.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the Aug. 13 letter seeking hand cream made with beeswax, I am a local beekeeper and make and sell honey and hive products, including honey, honey comb, beeswax, beeswax candles, lip balm, soap and hand cream. I am local and use all natural ingredients. Thanks! — Lynn, Maine Honey Bee, 778-5196, [email protected]

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 emailed to [email protected].