DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do your or your readers know of anyone in the New England area who still deals in furs such as mink, sales, quotes, etc. Thank you for all your help. Happy holidays to all. — C.G., Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots found one promising source online: Dino International Furs. The website says they have three locations: Andover, Mass., North Hampton, N.H., and South Portland.

In addition to selling furs, they “provide all services related to fur including cleaning, conditioning, glazing, cold storage and expert repairs.”

The South Portland location is at Cornerbrook, 343 Gorham Road, 207-772-1344 or 800-640-9635.

If readers know of others, please write Sun Spots.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is there anyone in the Lewiston-Auburn area capable of repairing a small tear in a fur coat? — Ron via email

ANSWER: When you asked Sun Spots this question last month, she referred you to local seamstresses (sunjournal.com/news/sun-spots/2013/11/08/ywca-seeks-stuff-sale/1448254). She knows of no fur specialists in this area, but if you are willing to go to South Portland, the source in the previous answer should be able to help.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read the Nov. 22 letter from Doug about wanting goats to cut his grass. I think his idea is a good one — to go green. I also agree that a goat can make a better pet than a lot of dogs. But my suggestion would be to get two gray baby goslings in the spring.

You can purchase them very reasonably, and they will eat his grass and keep it nice and short. They will also eat all the bugs, so no need for Japanese beetle traps or grub pesticides. They will also provide natural fertilizer for your yard. Gray geese are friendly and not very noisy.

In the fall when the grass no longer needs cutting, Doug can take the full-size geese to the butcher and have them for Christmas dinner. The circle of life.

This year we chose to do this. We did not have cut our lawn all year, and we are looking forward to enjoying roast goose for Christmas dinner. If a city allows residents to have chickens in their yards, why not two geese? — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Sun Spots ran your letter by her colleague, Eileen, who raises both white and gray geese. Eileen noted that while baby geese might pick at a few bugs, geese are strict vegetarians and will not rid your lawn of slugs and Japanese beetles.

She also said that the geese will eat grass but not to count on a perfectly manicured lawn.

As for noise, Eileen said she would not dream of raising her geese in town. (Any readers who want to raise geese should check and make sure that it’s allowed in their municipality.) You must have gotten very lucky with your pair. She said geese are excellent watchdogs and may make more noise than a barking dog.

Eileen also said she cannot imagine eating her geese, which are pets, for Christmas dinner, but that is a personal preference. Goose is not commonly eaten now, but it was very popular in the past. Scrooge even bought one for the Cratchit family.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I can certainly relate to the squirrel-trapping saga related in the Nov. 14 column. I have been battling squirrels and woodchucks on my property (shades of Bill Murray in “Caddy Shack”).

I have successfully trapped 27 gray squirrels and have relocated them to a cemetery three miles from my home. Also, I have trapped five woodchucks and have transported them from Androscoggin County to a nice sunny location in Sagahadoc County.

The squirrel lady mentioned in the column should be advised to locate future trapped squirrels to a location at least two miles from her home, as they tend to be territorial in nature and will return. I find that cemeteries are excellent dropping-off points, as there are never any complaints. — N.L., Lisbon Falls

ANSWER: Sun Spots is not sure that moving those trapped animals is legal. You’re supposed to have a permit to transport wildlife. She also hopes that you don’t move nursing mothers. She hates to think of any infant creature, even squirrels and woodchucks, starving in their nest waiting for mom.

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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