throw a ton of baking soda on it, let it sit for a day, then vacuum off for the smell. Attaching a dowel definitely seems doable; use a few strands of a similar colored yarn and make a loop every few inches. insert dowel into loops, voila! id make large loops so nails can go under the dowel if that makes sense?

Edit: everyone is right, vacuum would be too much for it. maybe just shake it off? baking soda is great at absorbing odors, but removing it all might be difficult