Where There's a Protest, There's Riot Dog

by Stephanie Feldstein · 2010-05-10 09:08:00 UTC
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On one side, there are cops in riot gear, ready to hurl tear gas bombs into the crowd. On the other side, armed with rocks and masks, rioters demonstrate in the streets of Athens, Greece. In the middle of the fray, there's a yellow mixed-breed dog barking at the police right alongside the protesters.

The stray dogs in Athens are legendary for their friendliness and omnipresence around the city, but one dog in particular has created a legend all his own. He's known around the world as "Riot Dog." Some people say he's a stray named Kanellos (Greek for "cinnamon"). Others say Kanellos died two years ago and this one is Louk, named after his favorite sausage snacks, who may or not be Kanellos' son. Or he's a dog known as Theodorus who lives in Syntagma Square, where many of the riots take place. Some people speculate that he belongs to a photographer or cop, despite his tell-tale blue collar that identifies him as a neutered and vaccinated stray.

Whoever he is, it's said that this outspoken canine hasn't missed a major protest in Athens in two years.

There are other strays that wind up amidst the demonstrations, but Riot Dog shows up every time, and acts like he's there with a purpose. He's been spotted among demonstrating workers, farmers, firefighters, students, and anarchists. Though their job doesn't exactly allow them to stop and pet him, the police aren't unfriendly to the four-legged activist, either. But Riot Dog stands in solidarity with the protesters — his chosen pack — and apparently the screaming, the tear gas, the explosions, and the chaos are all good fun as far as he's concerned. For an active, outgoing dog, a riot scene is the place to be for action and attention.

You can check out photos of him laying down in front of riot shields as if in peaceful protest, running with rioters being chased from the scene, and facing off with police on This Blog Rules. He's well known and loved throughout the city, and has tens of thousands of followers from around the world on Facebook.

When these demonstrations get violent, Riot Dog's fans worry for his safety. But, by all accounts, he's exactly where he wants to be, and the scrappy mutt serves an inspiration for everyone speaking out for what they believe in.

This guy sounds like the perfect honorary mascot for the Change.org Animals community!

Photo credit: endiaferon

Stephanie Feldstein is a Change.org Editor who has been part of the animal welfare and rescue community for over a decade, and most recently worked for an environmental organization.
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