We have two golden retrievers - one male and one female, both 5. We've had the male since he was a pup but got the female about 2 years ago. They get along great, no problems ever and are always with each other.

The female has developed a habit of urinating on the 2 dog beds that are downstairs where they are kept when we are at work. This is a nice, finished downstairs with carpet, fyi. We only used to have one bed, which was the male dog's from before we had her so we thought she was maybe "marking it" or something. We tried getting a 2nd bed only for her but now she just pees on both. She would NEVER do this while we are home, only while we are gone so it makes it impossible to correct since dogs can't make the connection from a behavior to a scolding after-the-fact.

We have plastic sheets on the foam beds with a washable cover on each. When she does this, I spray Nature's Miracle on the cover and the plastic sheet, then wash the cover. She pees on the beds within a day or so of washing them.

We are afraid that if we just take the beds away, she will start peeing on the carpet which is NOT OK. She has no medical urinary issues, or anything like that. What can we do to stop this, and why is it happening?

Sounds like a form of separation anxiety. Maybe crating her while you're gone will be a better option for you.