Swank's solemn Karoo duty

Oscar-award winning actress Hilary Swank returned to Graaff-Reinet this week to scatter the ashes of a dog she adopted while filming in the small Karoo town eight years ago.

Swank stayed there in 2004 for the filming of Red Dust.

She adopted the stray from a Graaff-Reinet animal shelter and named him "Karoo" before taking him home with her. The dog died earlier this year.

Swank slept over at the upmarket Andries Stockenstrom guesthouse.

Guesthouse owner Gordon Wrigh said the Million Dollar Baby star was accompanied by her two other dogs, Kai and RooMe. He said he cooked meals for all three.