This procedure is very similar to what I do in doing extensive repairs.

http://www.ronhazelton.com/projects/how_to_repair_broken_corners_on_furniture

 

It may not be obvious, but Minwax is his sponsor.    I use Bondo all-purpose filler.   I also use lacquer touch up markers, pigment powders, and/or spray toners for color and clear lacquer top coats to match sheen.    I was reminded once of a job where a dog had done some serious damage to a hall buffet cabinet's base.   It took over an hour to fill, carve, sand, and repeat to get the complex profiles to match.   When done, he told me I'd done a good job matching the color -- that took 10 minutes and the rest of the time was getting the profile right.    Here's another job that I did.  They had a a dog with some severe anxiety disorders when left alone.

 

 

 

Great work Keith,

Cal

Thanks for the link.

 

Years ago, our puppy nawed on some painted stair bannisters. I used drywall compound as filler- sanded, shaped and repainted. Still holding up today.

Thanks for that link, Keith. I've used Bondo for filling voids like knot holes in flat material. Never tried forming it to conform to a profile. 

I'd imagine that for me, the hardest part would be matching the color. My repairs either didn't show or, it was painted.