Leader of the Pack

Walking around Athens one will quickly realize there are many stray dogs, and if here long enough one will notice the dogs seem to have their own regular locations. In my opinion its nice to see the dogs around, especially when they are friendly. I have noticed the dogs particularly do not like motorbikes, they take any chance they can to bark at a motorbike causing the driver to slow down and sometimes shut off the bike. A late night walk home past some stray dogs can easily result in having a pack of dogs accompanying you all the way to your final destination.

Last night when I was walking back to my apartment there was a pack of four dogs that followed us all the way back to our place. They would trot along infront of us and would show agression against any person or vehicle that came within our range. This was interesting to see since all we did was show a little attention to the dogs by petting them when we first saw them; then from that point on they were protective of us. At one point on the walk back there was a man coming down the sidewalk towards us, the dogs began barking at him and running toward him. The man was startled by this sight and ran the oposite direction, swatting at the dogs as he tried to get away. Unfortunately one of the dogs jumped up and bit the  man in the arm. After he was bit the dogs backed off and the man walked away holding his arm and checking to see the damage. The dogs had barked at many other people prior to coming across this man, but they did not bite the people since they had just kept walking at a normal pace. I guess if one is looking for their own security escort while walking in Athens then take a moment to befriend a stray dog.

The stray dogs here are taken care of well, most have a colar with a tag on it indicating the dog has been vaccinated and documented. It is common to walk around and find bowls of dog food and water left out for the dogs to eat. At one point along our walk we came across a spot where food and water was left out; we paused for a bit so our pack could enjoy the sidewalk meal. I know in the future when I am walking home I will take a moment to befriend a stray dog and have it walk me back to my place.