Sounds to me like your "soil" is solid clay - many new home developments have that, because they strip whatever top soil there may have been, and what is left is clay - pure enough to make pots out of! Our native soil here in the SF Bay area is like that in many places. Luckily for me, my yard has been gardened for 106 years, so we have a good layer of soil - maybe 18 inches. However, if you dig in obscure corners, like right next to the foundation - clay, pure and simple. What is getting on your dogs feet would be called "slip" in a potter's workshop! I'm not aware of a ground cover that would instantly grow in the winter in solid clay, especially without a lot of work & soil amendments. If it were me, I would probably figure out how to restrict the area the dogs can get into, and then put down some gravel - that is instant. Good luck - Jackie

Thanks, John. I actually did pull corners (the wettest area) and then called a friendly flooring place and someone actually was there. He prescribed lots of air conditioning and fans, but came to the same conclusion as you-- probably this will be ok. I've been moving around the fans and in just three hours, drying is proceeding very nicely. Thanks for taking the time to respond -- and I think it might not be a bad idea to get one of those wet/dry vacs to have around anyhow. I hear they are very good for all sorts of projects, not just "emergencies."

I picked up this tip years ago and it has always worked for me - rub a little baby powder or cornstarch on the door gasket. After the paint fully cures (30 days) wipe the dust off in one pass with a damp sponge and you're done! Directions on paint cans always will always say "clean and dust free", what you are doing here is creating a surface that dried but uncured paint won't stick to. An oil coating may keep the paint from sticking but the underlying paint film may never cure.

1-800-3MHELPS can help you out.