As protests shake Athens again, "riot dog" is back in the news.
Actually, it might be more accurate to pluralize the discussion and talk about "riot dogs." Here's some background, courtesy of a 2010 Associated Press story posted by the English-language Athens News:
"Athens' stray dogs naturally seek company. And there's no better place to find lots of it than at one of Athens' many demonstrations. Photographers have documented the presence of several yellowish dogs at boisterous anti-government protests over the years, barking and baring their teeth at police in what appears to be canine political statements."
Our friend Jacob Goldstein over at Planet Money reported on the canines' case last year, during some of the previous anti-austerity riots in Athens.
The most famous doggie demonstrator these days goes by the name Loukanikos ("Sausage" in English), and as Time magazine says he "boasts his own Twitter feed, Facebook page, Tumblr site, YouTube channel, and blog.
He's even gotten coverage from the serious folks over at Foreign Policy.
Know Your Meme writes that both the previous best-known "riot dog," a stray named Kanellos who died in 2008, and Loukanikos are known for their "spirit of rebellion."
Riot Dog's supporters have put together a video about his "legend."
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