They started with a promotion in Bloemfontein, where they spent the night, went on to a promo in Aliwal North, then through to Aberdeen to overnight.

“I simply have to say the best accommodation was there and the best photo on the trip with the tallest church steeple in South Africa,” said Sue Green, owner of the JOY Dogs.

From there, onto Oudtshoorn to see friends and then to spend a few nights in George, where they did a promotion and popped in unexpectedly to a Mica Hardware store, who were thrilled to meet the dogs.

The tour also included promos in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, and of course, the beach.

This was followed by two promos in Oudtshoorn and back to George to overnight, and started the long drive back, staying in Trompsburg for one night and popping in at two stores along the way so they could meet the dogs.

So all in all 3 000km, seven days, seven promos, three pop-ins and one romp on the beach.

“The response received by people meeting the dogs was fantastic. We made hundreds of people happy on this trip; the excited look on people’s faces when they saw them was worth all the travelling. The most heard comment was ‘You’ve made my day!’ We have already been asked back, but we will probably only manage to go next year.

“The dogs coped admirably with the long hours in the car and the different accommodations, all of which were suitable. They interacted well with other dogs, loved their work, and enjoyed meeting everyone and posing for photos endlessly. Nonetheless, we were all happy to be home again.”

They will be at Builders Warehouse Gleneagles on March 4 from 10:00 to 13:00. Come meet the well-travelled celebrities.