Riot dog
 | It has been suggested that this article be merged with Loukanikos. (Discuss) Proposed since June 2011. |
|
|
Riot Dog
Riot Dog is a term used to describe both Kanellos and Louk aka Thodoris, a literal mascot for the protestors of Athens, Greece. For several years a golden/cinnamon colored dog sporting a blue collar has been seen at nearly every riot/protest whether it be peaceful or malicious.
Kanellos
Kanellos was the first incarnation of Riot Dog who was involved in the 2008 Greek riots. Kanellos died in 2008 of unknown causes, thought to only be old age. Kanellos lived to be quite old but had severe arthritis in his final days, motivating the local college student to donate money to purchase him a "doggy" wheel chair and allowing him to live among them indoors until he passed.
Louk
The newer Kanellos look-alike is Thodoris, more commonly called Louk, and is thought to be one of Kanellos' pups. Louk is a light golden colored stray dog, who is up to date on all his shots, hence the blue collar. During his off time he is relaxed and quite mild, though when witnessed during May 2010 Greek riots he can be seen darting through protesters, dodging canisters of tear gas and fire bombs, taking shots of mace, and even growling and barking at the riot police. He is usually well taken care of by the college students of Athens and lives comfortably considering he roams the streets at will.
Known not only for his seemingly intelligent grasp of what is going on around him, he is known for bringing attention to the political crisis in Greece. A problem which has now gained increasing attention due to Riot Dog's media coverage. He is quickly becoming the face of civil disorder and freedom fighting.
Loukanikos
Loukanikos is a dog (whose name means sausage that has been present at nearly every protest in Greece in the past few years.[1] The stray has become the symbol of the Greek protests against the IMF and the EU backed austerity measures that are taking place in 2011.[2]
History
Many of the protesters say that Riot dog (Kanellos, Louk, or Loukanikos) has been taking part in protests for years.[3] His rise to fame occurred mostly after BBC's Newsnight created a video montage of the dog in action during the protests, including barking at police in riot gear and running with other protesters away from tear gas.[4]
- ^ LibCom http://libcom.org/gallery/loukanikos-greek-anarchist-dog
- ^ The Australian http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/activist-hounding-greek-cabinet/story-e6frg6so-1226078057707
- ^ Hurriyet http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=dog-becomes-greek-protests-mascot-2011-06-19
- ^ BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13802940