In Greece, where rioting is a national sport, protesters have a mascot.
A mystery mutt has turned up at every major demonstration in Athens for the past two years and earned iconic status.
He’s shadowed by photographers, inspires bloggers, has earned fame in YouTube videos, and boasts his own Facebook page (as “Riot-dog”).
“I’ve seen him many times on TV,” wrote one admiring blogger. “He doesn’t seem to get scared of tear gas, explosions, petrol bombs and people screaming all over. He actually seems to enjoy himself a lot!”
In recent photos he is seen showing solidarity with hooded rock-throwers and barking at cops in riot gear.
He wears a blue collar, indicating he’s a stray who has been vaccinated.
Some Athens-based bloggers claim his name is Kanellos, which is Greek for “cinnamon.” But others say that dog died in 2008.
No, this dog is Louk, named after the sausage that he loves to eat, they said. Another version is that his name is Theodorus and he lives in Syntagma Square, the central Athens showcase that has become ground zero for violent protests.
“What brings him to the riots? Does he believe in the overthrow of private ownership?” an admirer asked on Facebook.
“Does he see the rioters as his pack? Does he just hope that the police are going to start throwing those big sticks for him to fetch?”
Other bloggers said the dog shows up at riots because he belongs to a photographer or a cop.
But most agreed he was on the side of the underdogs.
“I wish my dog would stand up for what she believes in,” a pet-loving blogger wrote.
Athens was quiet yesterday after three days of rioting. Kanellos, Louk, Theodorus, or whoever he is, took the day off.