I just saw this post. Since we're retired we don't have your problem but when we go out on our dinner night Buddybear goes into a long crate with his food, water , toys, and a bed. He never would use a pee pad so we don't stay gone that long. However we do turn on the radio to soft music. I just got a toy that dispenses treats (cherrios) that he has to knock around and he enjoys it. He also enjoys putting Cherrios in an empty water bottle which he can carry around and play ruff to get them out.
Not an ideal situation for you two but protecting the carpet might mean putting down super heavy plastic while you are gone. Good luck.
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