Laddie was the sweetest, most gentle dog ever. He was beautiful, smart, and playful like a puppy even when he got older and slowed down a little. He was so sweet and loyal, and very protective of us, of small children, and even of his animal friends (except for squirrels, who he hated!).
Laddie loved playing ball, chewing his bunny and his dinosaur, and just getting in your face. He didn't lick your face or jump up on you, but he would just stand there, looking at you, breathing in your face and smiling.
When you got him excited he would get all wound up and start barking and nipping at you. The nipping was his way of saying "take that, you sheep!" If he was laying on the ground and you got him hyper, he would start trying to nip at you from over his shoulder. Yes, he was crazy. In a good way.
Laddie hated getting his baths but he would be so good about it. After his bath I would brush him out and so much hair would come off him that we called the hairballs "Baby Laddies". One time I tricked our 6 yr old neighbor into thinking I got him a new puppy by saying "Richie I got you a puppy!" and threw a Baby Laddie at him. Laddie and I had a good laugh about that one and high-fived.
Laddie was a good brother to Vincent, our guinea pig. Vincent loved cuddling with Laddie on the floor and chewing on Laddie's fur. She is going to miss Laddie also.
The house is very empty without Laddie around. He was truly part of our family and we will miss him every day.
No dog will ever replace you, Laddie, we love you forever.