A man and his best friend

Piet Hansen (25) and his dog, Robbie, are well-known faces in Swakopmund.

When Robbie was six months old, he was hit by a car and one of his front legs had to be amputated.

Hansen lives in the DRC informal settlement and he and his dog walk to Swakopmund every day in search of money, food and odd jobs.

As the temperatures start to climb and Robbie struggles to walk, Hansen carries the dog on his back. Photos of this touching scene were shared on social media last year.

This then led to Good Samaritans donating a pram for Robbie.

"I taught Robbie to sit in the pram. He is a very smart dog. I just say something to him once and he listens. I recently got a new pram for Robbie, because the previous one was old and was breaking down."

Struggle to find work

Hansen is originally from Maltahöhe. He and his stepfather moved to Swakopmund in 2009.

"He and I did carpentry there, but now I don't have a job. I didn't finish school either. In Swakopmund, Steve taught me how to lay tiles and I really liked that type of work. It is very difficult to find work, so we just walk to town and the people give us food and water."

Towards the end of last year, thieves broke into Hansen’s room and hit Robbie over the head with a rock when he tried to protect his owner.

The dog needed surgery, but thankfully a kind member of the public paid for it and Robbie quickly recovered.

"I love Robbie very much because he understands me. He is my buddy and he is always there for me and listens to me."

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