The following is an email from Sophie's mom...

So sorry to bother you, but I did have a quick question regarding
Her Highness. If you have the time and any suggestions, I would love
them!! I can't seem to get her to pee, etc. anywhere but the back yard. She
seems to hold it whereever she is 'till she gets out back. As this is going to
be a problem up in VT with my backyard in GSC, I thought I would ask for
suggestions. Thought about taking her right our front, or somewhere
else first thing in the am and just waiting until she does her thing.........

My response:

Hey there,
Don't you ever think for one second that you're bothering me! I was going to email you to check up on the lair anyhow. So, about a new pee spot. Your instincts served you well- you have to wait until she's bursting and take her out there in front or wherever the new spot is. If she doesn't pee/poop within 5 minutes of your standing there (no fooling around or walking), take her back into her crate and lock the door. She gets no freedom if she has a full bladder. Wait about 10 minutes or so
and take her back out. Keep doing that until she has no choice but to let it all go. I'd give her a treat after she gets it. And play around with her after that & give her some freedom. You may want to just humor me and tie a few bells to the door so she can at least have a signal (hitting the bells with her nose or paw) that you can bring with you to Vermont. She may not catch on before xmas but then
again, she may. It's worth a shot. Pick up her paw and hit it into the bells before she goes out, every time. Ask me questions anytime!