RIP Loukanikos the wonder dog - Mascot of Greek anti-EU, anti-NATO protest movement dies

Graeme Wearden
The Guardian
Thu, 09 Oct 2014 14:22 UTC

Loukanikos, the valiant dog who faced down Greek riot police during the height of the eurozone crisis, has died

Sad news from Greece - Loukanikos, the valiant dog who faced down Greek riot police during the height of the eurozone crisis, has died.

Greek media report that Loukanikos (Greek for sausage) passed away peacefully, having retired from protests in 2012.

Loukanikos began hitting the headlines in 2010, when the stray hound began appearing in the front line of anti-austerity protests.

Athens journalist Damian Mac Con Uladh reports that Loukanikos suffered from his years on the front line.

According to Avgi journalist Petros Katsakos, the dog's health was adversely affected by tear gas and from being kicked from police, forcing him to "retire" from active protest about two years ago.

"He was on the couch sleeping, when suddenly his heart stopped beating," Loukanikos' carer told Avgi.

At the height of his fame, Loukanikos even feature in Time Magazine's review of 2011 (full details).

Loukanikos 'retired' in autumn 2012, around the time that the eurozone crisis was easing. He swapped tear gas and riot shields for a gentler life with an Athens family, who offered "all the care, love, food and vaccinations" a dog could could need.

'Fire? Bring it on!'

'Whose streets? Our streets!'

Here's what Louka thought of the EU's austerity measures and NATO occupation of Europe