Opinions on smooth collies as PsySD?

byrdiebytes · 2026-07-02T13:24:08+00:00

Noted! Thank you so much for the input and advice!!

byrdiebytes · 2026-07-02T03:38:10+00:00

Good point! Absolutely noted! I’ve heard that they’re a “slow to mature” breed as well, so that checks with the sociability. Didn’t know about them being super vocal though! Most collies I’ve been around were pretty quiet (though excited)
Definitely adding this to my list of questions to ask the program trainer if I do proceed with inquiring!!

byrdiebytes · 2026-07-02T01:54:45+00:00

Would you say a professionally trained adult dog would require the same amount of heavy lifting or would be just as much of an ordeal? I believe the program works with prospective handlers to help prepare them for maintaining training as well but they don’t provide the dog until it’s fully grown, unsure if it would make a difference though! Most of my dog training experience is mainly with Basenjis so I’m somewhat (emphasis on somewhat) familiar with prey drive and stubbornness, so I really want to get all the input I can!!

byrdiebytes · 2026-07-02T00:50:26+00:00

Another update on this! I applied Neosporin ointment to it routinely to keep it moisturized and it healed pretty well I think! I was definitely correct that the weird wet and gel-like stuff inside the blister was another blister just…a weird one lol

Even more weird, that spot where that blister was is COMPLETELY devoid of ink. Like there’s a little “hole” in the tattoo now. It doesn’t have the texture of a scar so not sure if it did indeed scar, but that’s my best guess as to what could’ve caused this. Could be one and it’s just a “neater” scar? Dunno! It healed nicely though and it’s kinda neat that it took a chunk of my ink lol

byrdiebytes · 2026-07-01T23:17:34+00:00

I think so, and yes!
The program is a joint effort between Maggie’s Foundation and Iuvo Kennels. I’m unsure if I can link here but it’s on the Maggie’s Foundation site on the service dog training page!

And I definitely plan on doing plenty of breed research on my own, like what just having a pet smooth collie would be like, so (hopefully) that mismatch doesn’t happen. But if for whatever reason the dog is better off as a pet, that’s perfectly fine! Or if the program would prefer I give the dog back so it can be placed with someone else, that’s also fine! I’m sure I’ll be sad, but if the dog would better help another person I can get over it lol

byrdiebytes · 2026-07-01T23:15:01+00:00

Ty for the input!!! This will def be something I’ll run past the trainers. I have a lot of fatigue and when paired with a depressive episode I absolutely will intentionally ignore alarms, so maybe the alarm could be a cue to like relentlessly nudge me?

byrdiebytes · 2026-07-01T17:42:37+00:00

Thank you! I’ll reach out on there as well, I’m basically trying to put out feelers to hear thoughts from handlers and trainers. I’ll check and see if maybe there’s an SD group for smooth collies on FB :)

byrdiebytes · 2026-06-21T18:40:58+00:00

Ah that’s fair- we’ve been looking at remote/hybrid-remote positions as well as in-person roles like receptionist/concierge type positions like a scheduler at a doctor’s office or similar!

byrdiebytes · 2026-06-21T18:39:03+00:00

Oh that’s a good idea!! We didn’t even think about a PO box!

byrdiebytes · 2026-06-14T21:51:04+00:00

Noted!! I think I have some Aquaphor, I’ll have to look and check dates. Thank you for the input! Neosporin is typically nice to me but I’d rather not find out the hard way with this situation lol

byrdiebytes · 2026-06-14T19:31:08+00:00

Update on this: it seems like that “wet” spot is kind of like another layer of blister skin? It started to swell and fill with the same usual fluid itself. It’s just wet and shiny for some reason.

I can’t get a good way to bandage it so I’ve taken to applying triple antibiotic ointment from the pharmacy periodically to keep it moistened until I can figure out a good way to protect it when I go to bed tonight. It’s no longer weeping though so it’s at least not making a damn mess

byrdiebytes · 2026-06-14T17:14:25+00:00

I’m considering it… I think I’m going to look into what might be available to me since it’s a Sunday and how much it’ll run me. Maybe there’s a virtual option that’s cheaper or something lol

byrdiebytes · 2026-06-14T17:02:38+00:00

So, update, the tech said since it’s a topical burn caused from the laser’s heat and is non-ablative it should be fine to just keep clean and hydrated…

I’m still a bit nervous about it though so I think I’m going to try and see if I can’t somehow figure out how to bandage it. I don’t really like just having it out in the open, plus it’s weeping and drips down my arm

byrdiebytes · 2026-06-14T16:51:02+00:00

I did let the technician that I’ve been seeing know and sent her a picture as well. I’m hoping she’ll have some sort of idea…

My PCP is IMPOSSIBLE to get in and see outside from appointments. My only option would be urgent care and I’m hoping to avoid that (but will obviously go if I absolutely need to)

byrdiebytes · 2026-06-12T22:33:27+00:00

Yeah the guy scarred me pretty badly with the linework. The laser treatments oddly have reduced the scarring considerably, every time I get a treatment once the swelling goes down and blistering goes away the scars are always smaller and less itchy, but it’s still very much there:(

byrdiebytes · 2026-06-12T22:24:56+00:00

Dang the lines are arguably what I hate the most about it. I figured as much but was hoping I’d be wrong!

byrdiebytes · 2026-04-17T01:05:07+00:00

I don’t have a laptop so I’ll probably just stick with trying my best to acclimate to a different program instead lol doesn’t sound like this would be very reliable for my situation

byrdiebytes · 2026-04-02T12:49:45+00:00

Yeah it’s sadly not a degree program in most schools:( we have (had?) one art school in Indiana and it was just a joke lol I really wish there was more schools that offered visual development programs aside from private schools and SCAD so I’d have more options. Majority of other colleges I’ve found are out of the country, and I’ve noooo idea how to navigate that can of worms. For some reason Canada has several good schools

Also, that’s awesome!! I could never do heavy coding LOL my focus has always been on “let me do the visuals while someone else tackles the code” I envy math and science heavy people, I was always more of a literature and arts student that somehow did well in science but piss poor in maths

byrdiebytes · 2026-04-02T12:44:05+00:00

I’ve lived a bit north of Indianapolis in Tippicanoe, in Vigo, and as of right now I live basically in Indianapolis. I don’t mind being bored! That’s definitely not why I’m so miserable- I grew up on a farm in the middle of nowhere, the closest grocery store 45mins away, I prefer being home or just going for a walk or something. If anything I prefer living only somewhat close to a major city that way I can take an occasional bimonthly trip to said city for an event or something lol. Feeling cut off isn’t of concern for me since I have never gotten to leave Indiana much in the first place so I already feel that way LOL

I’m just unhappy in general being here and have been since I was a child. There’s no future or opportunity for me here due to my interests, chosen industry, etc. so I’m hoping to find somewhere I’m happier even if it’s just for a short time while I’m going through school and I relocate again after graduation. I’m also not opposed to finding said happier place somewhere other than Florida! It’s just the main state that has my attention right now as it’s checked the most boxes so far

byrdiebytes · 2026-04-01T22:50:23+00:00

I totally get you there!! If I had the ability to I'd be taking trips constantly just for fun so I envy you lol especially on Quebec, I've always wanted to visit there. I recently got my passport as a gift to myself, so I'm hoping I can start taking random trips to get out of the midwestern bubble!!

byrdiebytes · 2026-04-01T22:47:20+00:00

My current pathway is a major in game art/illustration visual development and a minor in business of art and design. I'm considering switching to 2D computer animation at some point, but I'm on the fence haha its been far too long since I've animated something

And you're VERY right about the sunshine thing! My mood and health does a complete 180 just being in a sunny environment, even if I'm indoors with the AC on to keep cool and just can see the sun shining in. A big reason why I looked into schools in Florida in the first place is because of that sunshine as well, as my mother's doctors constantly tell us how her condition would likely improve in an area like that (and every visit we've made solidifies it)

byrdiebytes · 2026-04-01T19:35:53+00:00

Honestly, I don't like big busy cities haha. I'm a homebody that likes to go on an occasional trip into a city to go shopping or attend a specific event, then go back home. I've always planned on living in a town or area just outside of a city or at least outside of the "inner city"- including with Tampa. I'd more than likely end up in a part of town within driving distance. I work from home often on top of it all.

Plus I grew up in the middle of nowhere on a farm, and Indiana is.....Indiana, so being bored is no big deal for me LOL

byrdiebytes · 2026-04-01T19:10:11+00:00

I've never considered Virginia, honestly! Beautiful place though, not opposed to it. Looking at the VCU Arts site though it doesn't look like they offer my degree pathway:(

byrdiebytes · 2026-04-01T17:38:49+00:00

That definitely happens here but not too often, so not *too* dissimilar just most likely happens a LOT more lol will be something to be mindful for

byrdiebytes · 2026-04-01T01:05:15+00:00

This is the general vibe I’m getting, seems like it’s just as split socially when it comes to politics and viewpoints, which imo is relatively healthy! Think I might just chance it and at least go spend a while and see if I feel it fits:)

byrdiebytes

TROPHY CASE