Loukanikos hates Greece’s austerity measures, corrupt politicians, and the plight of the Greek everyman. And, as a dedicated protestor, he is willing to brave riot police and tear gas for his beliefs.
Either that, or Athens’s most famous stray dog just likes the food and the attention afforded him by Greek demonstrators. Whatever the cause for his loyalty, Loukanikos (which translates to “Sausage” in English) has barked and marched alongside the protesters since demonstrations in December 2008. Almost three years later, the stray with a penchant for protests was seen in action again at the latest rounds protests in Athens last week.
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Media reports over the past three years show that protesters – many of whom have camped out in Syntagma Square – have taken to petting and feeding the dog who they assumed is allied with their cause. In fact, popular adoration has gone so far that Loukanikos boasts his own Twitter feed, Facebook page, Tumblr site, YouTube channel, and blog.
In addition to dominating social media, Loukanikos is also a regular in the mainstream media. Nearly every Greek protest is followed by new photos and videos of the rebellious stray. Some of his appearances from 2008 to 2010 can be found here.
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