Loukanikos, Greek riot dog

28 Apr, 2020

In search of Louk……….

A ginger stray dog called Loukanikos (Sausage in English) became an unlikely cult hero during the 2010 anti-austerity riots in Greece.

Barking, growling, always advancing and never retreating, Louk as he was known featured in innumerable press images of the protests. 

He made it abundantly clear which side he was on and his bravery was legendary. Never far from the frontline the tawny mutt braved whatever came his way including exploding tear gas canisters and flares. 

This plucky mongrel was there to defend the rights of his people. 

Louk retired from a life facing riot shields and plumes of smoke in 2012 when he was adopted by a Greek family. For a short couple of years he deservedly got to live the life of a pampered pooch. He died in 2014 at about the age of 10 with his life probably having been shortened by his time as a rioter, anarchist and watchdog of the people. 

Today Loukanikos lives on in the street art of Athens. Don’t miss him on your next visit.

Find him on Riga Palamidou in Psyrri (work by Billy Gee, Alex Martinez & N_Grams). 

 

 

Also don’t miss The Clumsies….

let your inner toddler go amok here

https://alwaysjumpingneverlanding.com/2018/08/stumbling-upon-the-clumsies/