Sausage sticks it to The Man - REUTERS/Yannis Behrakis
Viva la Sausage!
Sausage the Greek Riot Dog – While the Greek economy comes apart at the seems, most dogs still prefer to leave the drama to humans. All, that is, except “Sausage the riot dog.”
Sausage (or “Loukanikos”) has been a part of every protest in Syntagma Square (central Athens) for years now, and has become a celebrity in Greece and abroad. When people took to the street yesterday to protest the latest government cuts, Sausage was at the front lines again, barking at police, and disrupting their attempts to hit protesters with batons.
don't tase me bro!
Interestingly, although Greeks are up to their necks in economic problems, they still serve as an inspiration to much of the world in their handling of stray dogs. In Greece, stray dogs are not euthanized, or left to rot in tiny city kennels. They are neutered, given vaccines, and even microchipped. All 2000 or so of them wear collars and tags, making them easy to identify.
Greek hero
After such humane treatment, it is fitting that a stray dog like Sausage has become a symbol of freedom in Greece. Let’s hope that Athen’s financial crisis doesn’t lead to an end to their inspirational stray dog program*
Update: I see evidence that the program might not be as successful as I had initially heard. It looks like Greece has their share of problems with stray dogs, and cruelty against them from city residents. Maybe dogs like Sausage will help them gain respect.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
bad article, go to this website for some true insight into the greek peoples treatment of dogs, cats etc.
greekanimalrescue.com/general_info_menupage.htm
That is an awesome dog, they were brilliant to use man’s best friend against the police because they often use them against protesters. I like how the dog looks like he is patrolling looking for any sign of discord. Good job at least letting us know about the dog. The media never mentioned the dog.
Articles not bad. But I would have talked more about how my legs are so fit and my fur is golden and super soft. But hey, what can ya do.
Ruff!
Article was fine apart from the misinformation in paragraph 3.
Anyway, my heart is with Loukanikos and the Greek peoples fight against tyranny and oppression.
That is so funny that he has been through all these riots through out the years. Good for him.
That definitely is a different way to deal with stray dogs, I can definitely see the pros and cons with that system. Great article.
Brian
That’s funny. A dog participates in Greece riot. Never heard such a thing before. If I travel to Greek, I will go to that suqare. Special dog
I have been to Greece and there are lots of stray dogs and PACKS of stray dogs that are NOT treated very well at all.
While I find that Sausage is a great symbol of freedom I can’t help but worry that he will be killed or injured in this mess. I wish someone would just take him home!
I hope that this is not really true about the treatment of Pets in Greece. Its 2012 almost,sad to hear this!
This pooch looks just like my mexican street dog – except that mine is no longer a street dog – I wish sausage the same future.
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I’d like to meet that dog. What a tough little furball.