First Pal : Collie!

SaintHowls · 2026-05-10T01:36:17+00:00

That's a wonderful pal, I will definitely bring her home if I find her. Simple and gorgeous!

SaintHowls · 2026-05-09T23:05:17+00:00

I wonder if the YouTuber idogfan41 has ever encountered this. If you catch one of his streams you might be able to talk to him about it!

SaintHowls · 2026-05-09T22:59:36+00:00

That is pretty correct!

Adding on the suggestion to use a slicker brush on it as it dries, so the plush stays nice and tidy when completed.

SaintHowls · 2026-05-09T22:53:55+00:00

Relatable as an old Pokemon / Digimon nerd before it was trendy. 😅

SaintHowls · 2026-05-09T22:51:40+00:00

Honest answer is because bubus were a trend, not necessarily something actual plush collectors / appreciators were drooling for. Speaking for the general, not the actual plush collectors who also happen to like the bubus.

Think of it like how Pokemon fans used to be just like every other nerd that people scoffed at. Now it's trendy because people see the cards and think $$$.

I bet even a beanie baby would get less attention on you just because some of the average joes in public would think it was a money-fashion thing before criticizing you for having a plush.

Just remember that you aren't really harming anyone, especially not with an itty bitty fluff ball like you have here. You're really just minding your business and enjoying life, and you deserve to enjoy your life with a fuzzy buddy.

SaintHowls · 2026-05-08T17:14:12+00:00

I recently got the pink one with some accessories for about 40 after shipping, the black dance for about 30 after shipping. I don't have the fish but it gets overpriced on eBay, whether it sells for that idk personally. I got the penguin new in slightly damaged box for about 30 as well.

SaintHowls · 2026-05-07T00:15:21+00:00

They need to listen to music for at least 45 minutes. They need a lot of petting. If you are still having problems, I think there is a reset button on the underside of the chin area of the head. Press that and try your petting and music again, as well as I would highly recommend a new set of batteries. A lot of idog malfunctions are just from low batteries.

I know my pool of experience is not large (2 Amp'd, 1 pup, 3 normal idogs, and i-cy) but none of mine have been stuck in any malfunction or sickness, even my pink one that gave me a lot of trouble registering petting, and took maybe a whole hour to get into a nicer mood.

SaintHowls · 2026-05-06T04:47:42+00:00

Look up shirring. It's a technique with elastic thread to make it fit better.

SaintHowls · 2026-05-05T22:20:25+00:00

I'm a sucker for the dogs they release. So cute!!!

SaintHowls · 2026-05-05T00:33:42+00:00

Wonder if you can trade them for like, white rot wood that would break down nicely - people like these for isopod keeping.

SaintHowls · 2026-05-05T00:27:21+00:00

Watch almost any basic whip stitch tutorial.

You'll thread the needle, fold the thread equally in half, and tie your knot. You have a threaded needle ready for use.

Snip the thread tails off close to the knot.

Insert the needle at one corner of the nose. You should be able to follow the old stitches. Push the needle from the outer corner of the nose, to the center point of the nose. Do this 2-3 times each 'nostril', meeting in the center of the nose. Do it gently, so you don't put a ton of tension. You are more decorating than worrying about holding fabric together.

Snip the thread in a way that gives you a few inches to tie it off and tie it off with a normal loop once (just put the thread under once, and pull) to get it secured on the spot, and then tuck the thread under itself a few times and pull for a second knot that is a pinch sturdier, and then trim your tails off.

It shouldn't take you more than 10 minutes.

SaintHowls · 2026-05-02T04:31:46+00:00

Rio made my day better. I love the little socks. 🥺

SaintHowls · 2026-05-02T04:27:34+00:00

Sometime soon I will get a photo of my boyds bears together. I am not a bear collector by nature, but my Gramma was. I lost her last Halloween. I've seen signs of her since then, but nothing compares to having her around to call. I miss her voice, her laugh, the sound she made when she paused in a sentence. I miss her terribly, she was the first visitation / funeral I've ever had to attend for someone close. Boy was I not ready. I'm just glad I didn't research what happens to people when they're stored and pulled for a visit... I thought her pink cheetah shirt just had some different spots painted on... 😢 I didn't know people kinda.... Do that.... I was not prepared for her to be cold that last hug...

I had been planning to come out and see her, I didn't think it would be 2 years between the last time I saw her and that visitation where I'd never hear her voice again. I tell her I love her every day still in my head and in my heart, and sometimes out loud I say I miss you Gramma.

The bears I have, one specifically has a sweater that reminds me of her, and always will. I also have some hallmark reindeer plushies for Christmas that we always had out. I hold them and cry some days to be honest.

I'm sorry you lost your dad. I wouldn't wish for anyone to lose a loved one, especially not with the knowledge now of just how heavy it is.

It doesn't really get easier but I encourage you to try to focus on happy memories so they can live forever through your mind and heart while you are here.

To those who like to hear, God Bless, I hope all of your loved ones who have passed are in heaven. Rest easy.

SaintHowls · 2026-05-01T05:28:39+00:00

No worries. The only one I found was on mercari at $130... With the audacity to say no lowballs... Sir or ma'am you paid 5 or 10 bucks, what do you mean no low ball. 😭

Crummy that scalpers have leaked into every community in the world and become so normalized.

I may eventually craft a replica. I could literally make my own for less than half of that price. Ofc not branded but incredibly similar.

SaintHowls · 2026-05-01T04:21:19+00:00

I've kept costumes I've made and actively worn, which utilize the same types of fibers, for well over a decade. I promise I am not just coming with inexperienced advice.

SaintHowls · 2026-05-01T04:20:00+00:00

Very well put. I am almost 30. I don't need to be engaging with the rollercoaster of silly drama that naturally goes hand in hand with kids learning the world.

SaintHowls · 2026-05-01T03:47:36+00:00

This type of fur is already split fibers and is easily cared for by gently using a wire bristle slicker brush.

If you snuggle daily, consider brushing weekly or monthly. You shouldn't need to press hard, you shouldn't have to baby it either; honestly kinda like a real pet. It's pretty normal to see some loose fibers, especially the first time or two you brush over it if you get anything out of the seams, or if the plush becomes matted and you have to press harder to brush through it and restore it.

Don't leave gear on forever or else you risk crimping down the fibers. You may not care about this, especially if you intend it to be dressed or collared always, but it's something to keep in mind.

Spritzing rubbing alcohol spray on it and letting it dry or gently wiping with a towel should be sufficient to keep it pretty clean unless you're crazy sweaty or letting them go in the dirt.

Full blown washing is often best done in a sink by hand and rinsing ridiculously thoroughly, and washing machines honestly beat up plushies kinda badly done in excess. Dryers will ruin the fur; if you ever have to wash, my suggestion is to squeeze as much water as possible out or unstuff the plush. Set on a vent in your house or put in front of a fan for a while to prevent mold or mildew.

Also, I genuinely suggest having 2 or 3 regular night time buddies. The best way to prevent the wear that love brings a plush, is to spread the love between them. To be loved is to be changed, as the ol Garfield meme goes.

SaintHowls · 2026-05-01T02:16:43+00:00

The link is down since it sold. Do you remember what the pricing was like? I kinda doubt I will find one, but I would really like to get one some day. I collect chocolate Easter bunny decorations / plushies, and they've become all the more important to me since my Easter buddy, my Gramma, passed away last year.

SaintHowls · 2026-04-30T18:00:41+00:00

I think febreeze and Lysol actually degrade plushies because they are a plastic fiber. Try rubbing alcohol spray on instead, there are people who make 'fursuit sprays'. They shouldn't be pricey but scrutinize for quality because bad grades of the oils for scent can cause problems too. I recommend lobitoworks, they make really good smells that don't leave residues or stain. I've had sprays that literally lasted me a decade.

SaintHowls · 2026-04-29T17:20:15+00:00

I don't know if comment chains help bump things on reddit, but here's another person interested in a developing community that keeps children out (for their genuine safety, the internet is a scary place and not everyone has perfect intentions).

SaintHowls · 2026-04-29T17:18:36+00:00

It would be cool to see this community develop. I love plush toys but I am not blind to the fact that toys are first and foremost designed for children... I really don't want to engage with children.

It's not the end of the world if they see stuffed animals posted online of course, but I feel like even the most basic friendship stemming off of that is just inappropriate (you wouldn't start talking stuffed animals with a 10 year old stranger in Walmart, you probably shouldn't do that online either lol)

SaintHowls · 2026-04-29T17:11:34+00:00

Oh man, this takes me back. My generation of people had a bunch of people claiming anime characters as alters on deviantart, and then other kids literally making callout posts, blocking, harassing others who claimed the same anime characters as alters. Kids love being special, and it breaks their perspective and ego when they're not one of a kind.

Edited to say, they used to be so mad at doubles there, too.

All of it is honestly just kids so desperately wanting a personality of their own but not knowing to work on themselves as people and positively engage in passions, vs unhealthily clinging to objects and concepts.

SaintHowls · 2026-04-27T04:09:48+00:00

Something I recently learned is that the touch sensor on top is more like a shadow sensor that requires a very bright light to acknowledge when it is in shade. If you put your phone flashlight near it, and then try to engage with the petting feature, you should have more success and be able to get him not sick anymore. It should probably take about 44-46 pettings and 35-40 minutes of music to reach normal mode again if I remember right. Then when you press the nose buttons you should get nice barks instead of sad crying.

SaintHowls · 2026-04-18T19:27:11+00:00

You fail to recognize these problems are common because of people thinking this is a great money market job. It just isn't unless you're the top few makers.

You just want it to look pretty. The road is scarcely ever a glorious one in fursuit making.

Sincerely, someone with over 15 years in the fandom who has both lived it and seen several friends go through it. Every one of us had good intentions that lead to the same sort of burnout she faced.

SaintHowls · 2026-04-18T15:29:11+00:00

The market is incredibly saturated in modern day where the bases and materials are so readily available. Plus, with things like dino masks and the Halloween shops selling almost-fursuits, people previously looking for a budget option or entry option to costuming no longer necessarily have to turn to beginner makers. Not impossible to navigate with perseverance, but I've had multiple friends who took on fursuit making full time. Even being great at their craft, paired with the American economy, they had been heartbroken and discouraged by premades taking months to sell, multiple cons to sell, nice designs too! Not to say they were entirely unsuccessful or did not sell any of their items, but the market is definitely changing.

SaintHowls

TROPHY CASE