(Kent used Get Serious or Nature’s Miracle in the wash to remove urine scent when Tilli had some night wetting problems. Both work really well. He uses them along with laundry soap. That does the job that laundry soap alone doesn’t. Some people like to use white vinegar to take urine odor out, I’m not convinced it works and it leaves that vinegar odor of which I’m not a big fan. Thanks. – Darcie)

After a few months, I became aware of serious health issues that Samson has, like a very weak heart, painful back, and poor bladder control. He takes daily meds to prevent congestive heart failure, arthritic back pain, and urinary incontinence. However, that was not the entire solution. Until recent months, I had to keep him on a leash in the house. I could not let him out of my sight. When I go to work I keep him in a large cage with part of an exercise pen attached where the door is, so he has an area where he can relieve himself if he must. This is in the basement. I slept with him on my bed with a leash over my arm.

In recent months, I’ve given him freedom to roam the house when I’m at home. I still find occasional accidents after I get out of the shower (I think he associates that with me leaving for work.) I’ve learned to interpret his subtle signals when he needs to relieve himself. He is my first dog, so maybe I needed some education there. He now also waits until I let him out and knows to intensify the signals if I’m slow to pick up. I believe the phenylpropanolamine that he takes daily has been very helpful in this process.

Sam is a loving and lovely dog. His entire demeanor has changed in the last four years! He’s no longer afraid of people. He’s achieved certification as a therapy dog, and is very outgoing and friendly to other animals and people.

I just want to encourage people to be patient. Don’t give up! I don’t know when the right time to give up is–I certainly wanted to sometimes, but I’m glad I didn’t.