Riot Dog has become an Athens Institution.  You’ll no doubt have seen negative press about Athens on your news, and witnessed people rioting (*sigh* I stress once again, it is NOT a daily occurrence here – view my "I" entry.).  Still, it can happen and when it does, Riot Dog can always been seen and seems to be respected by the rioters.

There were actually 2 Riot Dogs in Athens: Kanellos (meaning “Cinnamon” in Greek) and Loukaniko (“Sausage” in Greek).  Since 2008, both dogs were present in any riot taking place – although Kanellos passed away in 2008.  Apparently he developed arthritis and an Athenian college student donated money to allow him to live with a ‘doggy’ wheelchair inside until he drifted peacefully away.

Loukaniko is still going strong though and has a popular journalistic following – hell, he’s even got his own Facebook Page!

McDonalds in Syntagma Square turn a blind eye to Loukaniko sleeping in the stairwell, as you can see from my pic (I popped in for a quick cheeseburger – not an every day occurrence, living amongst delicious Greek food!)

 Here, in pictures with a great soundtrack, is a video & tribute to Riot Dog by my good friend at Athens Living.  Enjoy it and turn it up LOUD! And for more info, just Google “Riot Dog” - there’s WAY too many for me to list here.

Long Live Loukaniko!