DEAR SUN SPOTS: Four months ago, my elderly canine companion died and I am finally ready to fill some of the void.

Because I am elderly myself, although very active, I would prefer a dog who would not outlive me, so between 4 and 6 years old, and preferably female and some golden or spaniel mix. The dog needs to be well housebroken, enjoy riding in the car and able to stay alone for several hours at a time.

I have had no success at the local shelter. Where can I find a dog that just needs a quiet home? — No name, Lewiston.

ANSWER: It is good to know what you want and what you expect from a rescue dog as well as what you have to offer. Staying in touch with your local shelter is a good idea. They are your closest resource and can help you with the process of finding your new companion.

One convenient resources for seeing all of the pups available in the area are websites such as petfinder.com, adoptapet.com and petango.com. Most, if not all, shelters and rescues use these sites to show their adoptable dogs. You can enter in your specifications, including size, age, breed, etc. to narrow down the search. Checking these websites first could save you a lot of time calling around to multiple shelters.

Here are a few local shelters and rescues for you to contact:

• Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, Lewiston, 207-783-2311;
• Coastal Humane Society, Brunswick, 207-725-5051;
• Journey Home Dog Rescue, Freeport, 207-878-0180;
• Old Dogs New Digs, Brunswick, woof@olddogsnewdigs.com; and
• MAGRR (Memphis Area Golden Retriever Rescue) has a New England partnership in Maine. All of their adoption information including the application is on their website, magrr.org. They can be reached by email, rescue@magrr.org.

Losing a canine companion is difficult. You may never find the perfect dog to fill that void, but please consider the other adult and senior dogs that are available at your local shelter. They may not be the exact breed that you are looking for, but they will be just as good of a companion. Some rescues even offer a discount for seniors adopting seniors. Good luck with your search.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On March 30, M.J.B. requested a recipe for icebox cake. This is my late mother’s recipe:

1 cup unsalted butter

1 cup powdered sugar

2 squares chocolate or 6 tablespoons cocoa

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup water

4 eggs, separated (beat yolks)

Put chocolate, granulated sugar and water in saucepan and heat until melted. Add egg yolks and thicken real firm. Remove and let get cold. Cream butter and powdered sugar. Add cold chocolate mixture and mix well. Beat egg white stiff and fold in.

Line a bowl with sponge cake or lady fingers; pour mixture in center of bowl and cover with rest of cake or lady fingers. Refrigerate 12 hours. Remove from bowl and cover with whipped cream and walnuts.

My daughter, Alyson, now makes this cake on special occasions. Enjoy. — Dennis Atwood, Sabattus.

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