Oh, how I cherish those mornings when I can quietly slip downstairs, savour a cup of coffee, and catch up on my iPad in peace. This morning started just like that, a blissful 45 minutes of solitude and relaxation. But then, I heard the familiar sound of footsteps on the floorboards. Heather was up, wandering in her usual half-asleep state. I briefly considered springing into action as I usually do, but my comfort got the better of me, and I stayed put, foolishly believing I could just leave her on her own for a little while.
A few minutes later, I noticed an unusual silence. Typically, Heather’s morning involves pacing around the main floor. Suspicious, I got up to investigate. Just as I turned the corner, there she was, walking again and still zoned out. I placed my hands on her shoulders and as I began to guide her toward the bathroom, the distinct aroma of trouble hit me.
To my horror, there it was—a massive, steaming pile of poo on the upholstered hallway bench, just a few steps from the bathroom. The situation worsened when I spotted a pee mark on the wall. Below the mark, the main HVAC return vent had a puddle under its grate.
Fortunately, I had planned for this. The bathroom behind me was stocked with microfibre cloths, urine control enzymatic spray, clean underwear, pads, and more—everything needed for a quick cleanup. The bathroom also has a large shower with a handheld spray wand, installed two years ago specifically for situations like this.
So, while the next hour was far from the relaxing morning I had started with, at least everything was ready for a swift cleanup. Now, the incident seems forgotten, and we’re back on track with our Sunday morning, relatively untraumatized. I’m aware this might get worse, and I’m preparing myself for the possibility of bed-soiling incidents in the future.
That was my “relaxing” morning. The lesson here is: Enjoy today but plan for the future.