reusable or disposable puppy pads?

It's urine, so it's going to be unpleasant. As long as you keep up with it, though, it's not too bad. Look at sites for people using cloth diapers. That will get you on the right track

http://www.odcmerchandise.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=20

These are inexpensive, and give people who need a job, a job.

As a "just in case", I used Pooch Pads in Caleb's crate when he was a puppy.  He had a bout of diarehhea one day before I got home.  The pad absorbed the liquid.  All that was left for me to do was remove the mush before tossing the pad in the washer (I actually just hosed it off outside).  Washing them is no different than washing cloth diapers for human babies.  Just remove any solids and wash in the washer (without fabric softener). 

http://www.dog.com/item/pooch-pad/101509/

eta- Oh I meant to ad, now that Caleb is all grown up, I keep one under the mat in his Vari Kennel.  If he gets wet or muddy on one of our adventures, I put it on top of the mat for the ride home. 

 thank you all for your suggestions.

 would you suggest wringing out a wet reusable pad and throwing it in the washer? or hand washing?

 see, i wouldn't want to wash just one puppy pad in the washer, or wash it with clothing. i'd want to have a few in there to save on water and power. but i can't see myself accumulating soiled pads.

what's the best way?

Amina

 thank you all for your suggestions.

 would you suggest wringing out a wet reusable pad and throwing it in the washer? or hand washing?

 see, i wouldn't want to wash just one puppy pad in the washer, or wash it with clothing. i'd want to have a few in there to save on water and power. but i can't see myself accumulating soiled pads.

what's the best way?

 I'm not sure how much help my experience will be- the only time I've ever had a soiled pee pad was the time Caleb had the "big D".  After I hosed it off, I think I let it dry outside, and waited until I had a couple of dog towels to wash (my washer can do a really small load).  You could probably do the "dunk in a flushing toilet" thing like my mother used to do with cloth diapers to get the urine out of it, and put it aside until you have more to wash.

 hmm. that's not a bad idea.

 see, i don't have a hose, given that i'm in a condo, so that would work. i'm sure that would get 90% of the stink out probably...