[Cha Cha]

I think it's possible to teach dogs new things at any age and 2.5 years is still pretty young. I agree consistency is best. It may be that this has always been her "normal" and her previous owners consider this "pad trained." Is there any way you can fix her pad so there are 3 sides or walls, like one way on and off so that she is contained on the pad while using it? Also, you said you are using a table cloth under the pad, which I get for protecting your carpet, but can you not use more pads and spread them around for more area? There actually is not a lot of difference between a pad and carpet. I mean, to us humans the differences are clear, but to a dog, maybe not so much. She's used to peeing on something soft provided for her, but she may not distinguish between the pad and carpet depending on what her other home used. So my thinking is place something hard under her pad, a piece of cardboard or something completely different from carpet or a pee pad. Make her area so she wants to hit the pad. You can still use the table cloth to protect your carpet but maybe put something else between the actual pad and your table cloth. Does this make sense? These are just some things I might try, but remember it still takes consistency and time, and reassurance. Good luck and bless you for taking her in. It does sound like she is trying.