Let it never be said that it took Ashira Cohen more than one pee-fest on her floor to learn her lesson. I bolted awake on Thursday morning as soon as the puppy did, hustling to shove my feet into boots, clip a leash onto her collar, and get her outside to do her business.

At least it wasn't raining. I hopped from foot to foot to stay warm, my breath misting the cool April air, and the jolt of adrenaline from my rude awakening amping the curl of anxiety tingling through me. ...