Some finicky pets are so problematic when it comes to housebreaking that they constantly find new, out-of-the-way places to leave accidents. Their owners find them weeks later when it's too late. Other pets routinely leave their messes in same spot, regardless of how much scolding their owners give them. If you're facing either one of these scenarios, it's probably time to call a professional. If you're lucky, a carpet cleaning company may be able to restore color to your faded patches of carpeting, and disinfect affected areas.

If you're not so lucky, even pros won't be able to restore your carpet to its pre-pet condition, and you'll be facing expensive proposition of replacing your carpet. The fact is that once those "accidents" make their way down to padding of your carpeting, there's not much you can do. And when summer months arrive, you'll constantly be reminded of their presence. Of course, it goes without saying that it's also time to consider sending your pet to a housetraining school (if your cat is a perpetrator, you might be out of luck, short of an unconventional kitty training video or book) or even finding him or her a new place to live. You may want to contact your vet, as well, to see if something in your pet's diet is causing a proliferation of accidents. If your lifestyle has experienced any upheaval lately -- for example, departure of a child to college, a move, arrival a new baby or a spouse -- that could be problem. Animals are extraordinarily sensitive creatures. Even most housebroken, model pets can fall into regression if they're facing a stressful event.

If you do, indeed, replace your carpet, it's time to regroup. Do you want to shell out thousands of dollars for brand-new carpeting, only to have it destroyed again by your pet? Many training centers have excellent success rates with their four-legged students. Although pets are considered family members, expense of replacing your carpeting isn't something you want to experience twice. Your best bet is to meet with your vet before you empty your wallet for new carpeting or place an ad in newspaper to give away your pet. Your vet is your best resource for making sure you've tried everything possible to correct problem. Only then is it time to take drastic measures. In more than a few cases, pet owners have pinpointed problems leading to their pets' accidents, and they've had to replace their carpeting only once -- and without saying goodbye to their four-legged family members.

Check to see if your employer would be open to flex hours, job sharing or telecommuting. If so, you may be able to use these to juggle your schedule and cut your child care costs.

If both you and your spouse work, see if it's possible to arrange your work schedules so they overlap as little as possible. This will allow you to reduce number of hours your child has to spend at child care.

See if there is a relative or good friend that can help with child care.

Consider hiring a nanny and sharing cost of child care with a few good friends. This will allow you to pay less individually for child care costs and nanny will make more money overall.

For a list of child care resource and referral agencies, you can visit Child Care Aware website - http://www.childcareaware.org - which is a nonprofit organization that helps parents find quality child care in their communities.