Hi, I'm Laddie-your future best boy. I'm a little over a year old, about 37 pounds (the perfect "smedium" size), and a smooth collie mix with a big heart and lots of curiosity. I'm sweet, gentle, playful, and always up for an adventure-whether it's neighborhood walks, going to Doggone Tuesday at the Blue Wahoos game, trail exploring, or people-watching at the market. I'm already house-trained and know my basic commands, and I'm a pretty smart pup if I do say so myself. I'm still young though, so I'd love a human who will keep teaching me new things with patience and consistency. I promise I'm a quick learner! I love other dogs-they really help me feel comfortable, and I'm great at playing gently with smaller pups while still being confident around bigger ones. Cats aren't really my thing, though. Having a dog buddy and a window to watch the world go by helps me relax, especially since I've been working hard on my separation anxiety (and I've made great progress!). I'm an active guy, so a yard to explore would make me very happy-but I've also mastered using a dog door (even one made for smaller dogs... I made it work ). On walks, I can get a little distracted by all the sights and smells, so I may need a reminder to take care of business. When it's playtime, I'm all about tug-of-war, tossing toys in the air, and chewing on my favorite nylabone (your shoes will thank you). At night, I'm flexible-I can sleep in my own bed nearby or snuggle up with you. In the mornings, I'll gently put my nose on the bed to help you wake up. I might be a little shy when we first meet, but give me a little time-I warm up quickly and will be your loyal, loving companion in no time. If you're looking for a smart, affectionate, and playful pup to grow with, I think we'd get along just fine.