Another thanks to everyone for your thoughtful replies! Stitch678: I can’t even imagine what you are going through with a flooded basement. My thoughts go out to you. WesternWilson: I saw your post yesterday about the scrap buster pattern you found and it sounds great. when I get back to sewing, I will be trying it out.
I probably should have realized when eye surgery was scheduled for my dog that my stairs would be an issue. My only shower is upstairs, so I had to lock my poor baby up for 20 minutes or so and she cried the whole time. I should probably make use of the time after I put her bed to get some things moved down to the first floor.