Update on Sammie, now known as Galway written by Victoria H.

Sammy was adopted by the Kiefer family in April 2010 and renamed Galway after the city in Ireland where they used to live. The Kiefers lost their 14 year old yellow lab, Bailey, last fall and had really missed having a dog in the family.

The Kiefers write:

Galway has settled into our family so well - she is extremely calm and well-behaved for a two year old dog. Our children (six and three) have had a wonderful time walking her, playing with her and involving her in the day to day routine of our family life. On her first morning with us, Galway participated in Walk to School Day and was greeted like a celebrity at the elementary school. Our 6 year old says that we have two dogs now, one in heaven and one on 'land'. Her artwork and writing from school typically involve a story and pictures about Galway, and of all the family members, she and Galway probably have the strongest bond. Our daughter puts her out and feeds her each morning before doing anything else, and barely tells us good morning before sitting down and petting Galway, who sleeps next to our bed.

About a week after Galway came to live with us, our daughter demonstrated how much she already considered Galway as a part of the family. She keeps all of her important papers and awards up on her wall behind her door in her bedroom. On her student of the month award, which she received last September when Bailey was still alive, it had information about her that we filled out, such as favorite foods, colors, things to do, etc. On the line where she had listed family members last fall, it had all of us and Bailey. She had hand written Galway's name on the list, and added 'walking Galway' under her list of favorite things to do.

On Saturday mornings, Galway loves to walk down to 5 Points Deli and have breakfast with us outside - she lies calmly under the table and watches all the people and dogs walk by. We'll take her with us when we go to northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin to visit family in July - she loves to ride and has been invited to Grandma and Grandpa's to stay because of her great manners. We've never had to have her in a crate, and she has run of the house during the day. She is working on figuring out the dog door and very early established her place under our three year old's chair at the dinner table. She is content just hanging out and likes to be where we are - she also LOVES chasing squirrels in our backyard.

Thank you so much to Sandy and Victoria for all of your help in bringing Galway to us! We love her!

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