Remembering Loukanikos : Symbol of anti-austerity resistance

Loukanikos,  a  much loved ginger mongrel  known internationally  as the 'Riot Dog'  died peacefully in his sleep on 9 October 2014, aged around 10. His name translated into English as 'sausage'. More than just a dog, he was a protector and a beloved comrade facing down riot Police daily as demonstrators took to the streets  of Greece against the police murder of Alexandros Grigoropoulos, a 15 year old Greek student  who was gunned down in cold blood in the center of Athens, and later against austerity measures.

His presence on the "front lines" of anti-austerity protests in Athens became one of the defining images of the crisis. Throughout the 2011 protests, the mongrel was a constant feature on Athens' streets - barking at riot police, narrowly avoiding being kicked in scuffles, and trotting past blazing missiles thrown by the demonstrators.  

Loukanikos, was usually  to be found at the thick of all the action in front of the crowds, charging and yelping alongside protestors when they confronted  police on the streets of Athens The canine became a symbol of resistance in Greece after he was pictured facing off with riot police and surrounded by tear gas during various demonstrations. 

Protesters said he would often stand with them during bouts of unrest and protect people by grabbing tear gas canisters and pushing them away..And in this way, Loukanikos became a symbol of urban revolution in Athens and a mascot for the protestors inspiring so many to keep up the struggle.in Greece and around the world.

So legendary was this noble creature that he had a bar named after him in Madrid, and. in 2011 Time magazine listed  Loukanikos as one of its personalities of the year.

Loukanikos  retired from h which explains his death at 10 years of age.is duty as professional protester in summer 2012. The family in charge of him had considered it was too dangerous for him to continue taking part in protests and clashes with riot police As it turns out, the chemicals and the beatings he had taken by the police on more than one occasion had damaged his health.

This valiant defender His system had been damaged by tear gas and policemen kicks, and he had been greatly weakened, which explains his death at 10 years of age. Loukanikos now rests under the shade of a tree, atop a hill in Athens. . Let's continue to remember this  courageous four legged revolutionary and symbol of anti-austerity resistance,

The following song  "Riot Dog," was written in his honour by American singer David Rovics.

David Rovics - Riot Dog