Marie wrote:
"I also have a dog and he gets emotional if we leave him home to run into town or something. Occasionally I came home to find he had wet the carpet. Can't remember where I read it but some ladies husband worked for a carpet cleaning company and he said that when they came across a carpet that had a really stubborn smell, they mixed a cup of listerine (yes, mouth wash) with a gallon of water, used a damp mop to run over the carpet and it cut the smell. I tried it and it worked for me. Since Carol's dog is on water pills, it may be difficult to get to the doggie door in time. I would also scout the carpets for 'wet spots' occasionally during the day. The only way you can really do that is get barefoot and walk all over the room to see if you feel any damp spots. If there is a statuette or some other object that sits in the same place all the time, the dog may be using it for a fireplug, so she should check around and see if maybe doggie is using a flower pot or something for a urinal. "

Paula wrote:
" Hi Christina,
I just read Carols problem with the urine smell on the carpets. My daughter has 2 cats & kept smelling urine in one room, but couldn't pinpoint where it was coming from. One of the pet stores sold a "black Light" kit. Using it in the dark she was able to see exactly where the urine residue was. One of the cats had sprayed on the side of a metal desk, it was not visible until she used the light. She then used a spray specifically to get rid of the urine. Worked like a charm.

Hi Christina and Carol,
Yes, your letter did hit a chord with me too! I just helped my beloved companion of 16 1/2 years cross over. That was the toughest call I ever had to make. I know what you are going through because my pal also was dying because her blessed heart was weakening. You don't state how old your little friend is, but at 15 1/2 years I opted to make her as comfortable as possible and forego all other treatment except for aspirin.... which eventually became 4-6 puppy aspirin a day.

This isn't really a "cleaning" solution for your problem, but it may help save your carpets for the near future. Since the doggy door didn't really provide a solution, can you "section" your pal off until you awaken/get home? Your little friend probably has the run of the house like mine always did, but when we had to leave her, we put her in a room with tile. The kitchen worked great for this (was one of her favorite rooms), it was wide open and we could put barracades at the 2 entrances. We put her blankets, towels, and toys in there. Fresh food and water, and spread newspaper all over the floor. I also always left on her bed something I had recently worn (and not washed) because she always wanted to be with me and it made her comfortable having my scent with her (I know this because that is what she was snuggled cozily on when we came home every time... It was also a "trick" I used when I went on vacations throughout her life and left her with her grandma and grandpa... this cut her sulking time from a week down to 2 days) Your little friend may also sleep with you... if this is the case, have you thought about a larger pet carrier? I don't mean giant... just larger than your friend... you can place this on your side of the bed on the floor with favorite toys, blanket, and something that has your scent on it. Sure, I could have recommended the garage, or a pen outside... but this would be a completely unnacceptle suggestion in your best friends final transitions. The key is: Comfort. Thats what your pet really needs at this time and comfort for you, you who has the undeniable task of having to say goodbye to a dear beloved friend. You have to be comfortable with the solution(s) also.

Some cities have doggie day care, maybe you can check into that but that is usually a costly solution.

I know this is a tough time for you and you "owe" her, but I believe by reading your letter that you have "paid" your debt.

I believe that she has had a comfortable, safe, happy life. What you do "owe" her, is the promise that you will continue to keep her comfortable and her final breath will be with the dignity that she has kept you companioned and protected with. Only you will "know" when it's "time". For me, as time was drawing to an end, I just couldn't bear to think about how I may "find" her. It was easier for "me" knowing that she went with me right there beside her.

I hope this helps you find a solution for your carpet woes....I hope you also find comfort knowing you are doing the right things for your faithful, fearless friend; or if anything, comfort in knowing that others have faced your dilema. Good luck and god bless. Sincerely, Debbie

Please let Carol know that we have been treating an older incontinent dog with PPA, phenalpropylalamine (or something like that) that goes by the brand name Prion for over a year and it is working great.

They make special doggie diapers, too -- and I think that this is a WONDERFUL idea. Using plastic pants for babies with a hole cut for the tail can help, too, in case of leaks... heck try making "cloth diapers" out of dish rags and putting the plastic pants over...

It sure is easier to wash diapers than a carpet!

From Julie

Hi Christina....I am with you on the vinegar. Hydrogen peroxide helps as well. If I were this lady I would invest in puppy pads. At least the dog would be attracted to urinate on them and not the carpet. When the dog passes and I'm sorry to bring this up.....but this couple really needs to think about how they will eradicate the odor completely....hopefully the padding isn't ruined. Submitted by Marta

Hi Christina,
I had a small dog and when he got old ( 17) he could not make it through the night without having to urinate. I bought an item called Wee Wee Pads. They are a big square that kind of look like a giant flat diaper and have plastic on the bottom. They are scented and it attracts the dog so he will do his business there. You then just throw them away after they are soiled. They also make dog litter now and a little box with the front cut away so the dog can get into it easier. They are available at pet store, as are the pads. Hope this helps Carol with her problem. And I have always heard that the enzyme cleaners work the best, also available at pet stores.

From Pat the pet sitter