DEAR SUN SPOTS: I know I’m going to get grief for this, but I’m going to say it anyway. Why must dog owners insist on taking the dogs shopping with them?

I am deathly scared of dogs, and every place I go people have their dogs in the store. It’s to the point that I won’t even leave the house anymore.

But when I leave a store because of my phobia of dogs, I’m the ignorant one? Hello, people, not everyone is a dog lover. — No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: Last fall (http://tinyurl.com/kzg5dqu) Sun Spots had a question from a reader wanting to be able to take her dog into even more stores, and Sun Spots pointed out that not only are some people afraid of or opposed to pets, but some are also allergic, which is why many stores refuse pets, except guide dogs and other assistance animals, entry into their establishments.

If you are in a store where dogs are an issue, you should not leave without telling the manager why. Customers are a valuable commodity these days, and pet lovers do have the option of leaving their dogs at home while shopping. (Please, don’t leave your pet in the car. Every summer thousands of pets — and children! — die from the heat while trapped in vehicles.)

Sun Spots has noticed that people are taking their dogs more places, which is great if the pet is well-behaved and welcome. But that is not always the case. Her cats are getting tired of being treed. Dog obedience classes can be an owner’s best friend and smooth family relations, too.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I enjoy reading your column, and you have helped me before.

My son asked me to make him a loveseat-size bean bag, but he doesn’t want it filled with the small beads. We are wondering if anyone sells large amounts of shredded foam? JoAnn’s, Pine Tree and Marden’s don’t carry large bags.

It would greatly be appreciated if Sun Spots could locate where we could purchase the foam at a reasonable price.

Thank you for all your help. — No Name, Minot

ANSWER: Sun Spots has previously had requests for foam rubber, although not shredded, and has had difficulty finding it locally and at a reasonable price. If someone knows of a local source, please write.

Meanwhile, at www.foamforyou.com/accessories.htm, you can buy lots of different varieties. You email them your ZIP code and how much you want, and they will give you a shipping price.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do you have a phone number or address for anyone who donates their time to knit or crochet, or quilting items for children or the animal shelter? I have some yarn and lots of scrap material to donate. — Claire Hebert, claire53@roadrunner

ANSWER: Sun Spots has a regular request for yarn from Germaine Nolan in Lewiston, 777-1593, who knits blankets for the cats at the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society. Germaine is nearly 90 and doesn’t drive, so you’d need to deliver or mail the yarn to her.

No one comes to mind for the fabric, but Sun Spots is sure you will hear from someone very soon!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Catholic Financial Life Chapter N413 would like to thank you for running our letter May 1 and readers for their response.

Father Marc Boisvert’s orphanage in Haiti has once again benefited from your generous donation to “Pwoje Espwa.” You made a difference in the lives of these poor orphans. Together, we raised over $7700, and we hope that we can count on your support again next May to continue this corporal work of mercy.

Merci beaucoup! Thank you very much! — Jean L. Gastonguay, president, CFL N413, jmgartist@gmail.com

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 sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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