Walmer pooch on Facebook
SANDY became an instant celebrity after a photograph of the pooch on her owner Emma Malefe's back made the front page of The Herald last Friday.
A Herald photographer spotted the Walmer Township resident carrying her 10-year-old dog on her back, like she would carry a baby, while out shopping.
The photo was put up on The Herald's Facebook page where it soon caused quite a hype with over 270 shares, close to 180 likes and a slew of comments.
There was a mixed reaction, but most people were smitten by Sandy.
Sylvia De Klerk wrote: "I think this is wonderful! We complain when people don't take care of their dogs and we moan when they do. She loves her dog and wants it to be with her all the time."
Paul Chambers was not as impressed. "No wonder the dog is fat, it never walks anywhere. Very cruel!"
But the majority of the comments were positive.
Linda Ann Labuschagne wrote: "Why must there always be someone that has something negative to say? Seeing her with her dog on the front page of The Herald today was way better than reading of rape, corruption and murder..."
"My dogs drive everywhere with me, so this seems just logical! An ingenious, proudly South African idea. Lucky doggie to have such a loving owner," wrote Annemi Strydom.
Mafele, 70, was fascinated by all the interest her dog has caused.
She said she does not have a computer so she cannot go on Facebook and she has not seen the photograph in The Herald either.
Malefe said she walked long distances to the shops and Sandy was too fat to walk all that way. She got the vet to check her out and will be putting her on a diet.
"I love my dog, she's my baby," she said.