My idea would be to train the dogs to NOT scratch the windows! Easier said than done, though, I do sympathize with you because my two Westies have done the same to one of my huge plate glass windows in our dining area. It overlooks the porch, and we get coons that come up on the porch at night, looking for food, and my terriers go nuts because the windows sills are only a foot off the floor, and they can see the coons on the other side. IâÂÂve given up on finding anyone local to do simple handyman job of replacing those sills.

Are you or anyone you know handy with a box cutter or craft knife? I think I would try this - it's 1/42" pliable, paper-backed pine veneer, in sheets. You could make a template and cut these out and glue them over the damaged areas. I don't know if it would work; you may have to "fill" and sand smooth any huge gouges so it would lay smooth, or maybe not. Maybe look on youtube for videos on how to veneer things. I'm thinking it could be stained to match your woodwork if it's too different in tone. You could experiment with the scraps.

Since you said the damage was by PO dogs, I'm assuming you aren't worried about more damage, right?

from the webpage:
"These real wood veneer sheets are composed of premium sliced hardwoods that are spliced along the edges to make the full width; splicing is also done in a book matched pattern that's attractive and helps hide the splicing seam. The sheets use full-length slices so there are no splices to make the length. The 10 mil (10 thousandths) thickness paper backing allows the sheet to bend, flex, and work with curves and shapes without splitting. Apply paper back veneers with contact adhesive to make panels of large projects: conference tables, desks, doors, cabinet doors, coffee tables, etc."

Here is a link that might be useful: Pine veneer

I would fill, sand, and paint the same color as the trim.

I'd call the local trade school and see if a teacher of carpentry can recommend a good student who would like to do the job...it's not a really tough one...

My neighbors had the same problem, they use remnants of granite slabs and very cheaply applied that so now they have beautiful granite sills. And all diy. Granite places give away excess scraps and remnants they got enough to do all the downstairs windows. You can also do it with ceramic tile and a tile cutter. Or marble, you can actually buy them to size like this.

Here is a link that might be useful: Marble window sill

I would love granite,marble,or soapstone sills. Many of the homes around here have them. I am so tempted to try the faux painting in one room until I can find someone to replace all of them. They could not look any worse, right? Replacing them myself would not be a good idea! I have been given some great ideas here. Calling a trade school is not something I would have thought of.

I had my four very low window sills replaced with pieces of faux marble - like what they make bathroom counters with molded sinks out of. My dogs too had pretty much ruined the wood ones. I think my contractor charged me about $200 to do all four. They are a very light color but not quite white. They are pretty much invisible now, so I would call that a success. It is my puppies' favorite place to be. They lie down with their heads on the window sill until something goes by that they need to protect the house from - like a bunny maybe. Now my dogs feel important but my windows no longer look nasty.