Hey Folks,
 
I wanted to sympathize with the couch dilemma's.  What a struggle it has
been here.  We have a futon and a very nice sofa couch.  It took me
literally 2 solid weeks to finally safely encase my couch.  I made it non
sofa to start.  Removed mattress, covered all openings, including under
cushions, under couch and then covering the entire top of the couch with
a slip cover.  Materials used?  well, slipcover, various rags, towels
and stuffing to fill all remaining holes.  1/2 inch wire meshing.  Panel
boards, staple gun, nails, entire couch then covered with a boating
fabric-(water proof rubberized on side facing into couch and very strong
denim like material on reverse.  The wiring is securely covered with
padding and the fabric and the couch is covered with slipcover to protect
the real fabric of the couch.  I think the most frequently used and sacred
item is rubbing alcohol I put in a spray bottle.  I noticed whenever I
use Natures Miracle the Ferrets where really grossed out by the smell.
Natures Miracle smells mostly like alcohol.  So each and every time before
releasing the troops from their cage I must give a fresh spray of the
alcohol on key dig spots on the slipcover---they never touch the spots
anymore, if they do, that just means I forgot to re-spray.  They really
do not bother with the couch anymore.  Oh boy,what a job, it was worth it
though, to keep them safe and keep my peace of mind :)
 
Take care,
Mary Ann
[Posted in FML issue 3761]