DEAR SUN SPOTS: The United Methodist Church of Auburn at 439 Park Ave. will hold a Bean Supper on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 5 p.m.

The menu includes baked beans, casseroles, hot dogs, coleslaw, breads, beverages and homemade pies. Entertainment will be provided by the Park Avenue Pickers and will begin at 4:30 p.m. For additional information, contact the church office at 782-3972. — Steve, Minot

ANSWER: This should be a pre-holiday fun time with good food and a chance to make some new friends. Join in!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can a letter be submitted by email, or must it be submitted by snail mail? — No name, no town

ANSWER: Perhaps it’s time to rewrite that paragraph at the end of every Sun Spots column. Emails are preferred because I can see them more quickly, but written letters are accepted.

Also, please include your full name and phone number in case I need to reach you for more information. I always only print your first name and town but if you don’t want me to, just let me know in your letter. Phone calls are not accepted. We’re not trying to be difficult, just efficient. I hope this makes things clearer for everyone.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Please warn pet owners to contact their airline in advance if they plan to travel with a pet. At least some of the major airlines are now refusing to transport pets that have been “sedated or tranquilized.”

I had never been asked this question before when traveling with my cat, nor was I forewarned when I booked my trip through an airline employee. I was first informed of this policy when I attempted to check in at the airport.

Fortunately, since my cat was clearly not “sedated” seven hours after she received the vet’s prescribed dose, I was able to get on a later flight that same day.

I hope that this warning prevents someone else from having a similarly stressful experience. — Elaine, no town

ANSWER: As recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association, airlines do not accept pets that have been sedated or tranquilized. Pets that have been given sedatives or tranquilizers are at a higher risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems at high altitudes.

The association suggests that “light sedatives/calming medications” (for example, Benadryl, Trazadone) are sometimes prescribed to reduce the anxiety that some pets experience when traveling. However, be sure to test the medication at home, before your trip, so you know how your dog will react.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to do your research before putting your precious pet through any travel situation. Have a conversation with your vet, contact the airline, and work with your dog or cat well ahead of time to get them used to a crate put in a small space. Be prepared for delays, long lines, and potential issues along the way as best as you can. This all takes time and work but in the end, it’s well worth the effort.

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.