On our first full day in Athens, we pulled out the map and decided to walk from the hotel (Hilton) down the east side of the National Gardens, through the gardens and then out the west side near the tourist office. As soon as we exited the hotel there was a pretty big pooch hanging out...which as you know freaked me out a bit, given that I'm not exactly all that fond of dogs (or any animals).
So, the pooch proceeded to follow us around for 3 hours as we got lost in the park, exited on the north side, ended up about a block from the hotel, tried losing the dog by walking in circles (thus getting lost), and crossing the street to lose him. For the record, crossing the street didn't work...he just walked 'with' us on the other side of the street...across 6 lanes of traffic. It was cute, well as cute as it can be when there's a dog involved.
Apparently there are thousands of stray dogs and cats in Athens. Those that have a harness or collar on them have been 'fixed' by the government; however it doesn't sound like shelters are popular.
The strays are all over the place, but I noticed them hanging out at the tourist places; usually laying in the sun 'guarding' the entrance.
Two stray dogs 'guard' the entrance to the Acropolis.
Two more strays guard the entrance to the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
this is CRAZY!! Did you get one of those souvenir tshirts that says "I went to Athens and all I got was a bunch of photos of stray dogs"?!? LOL :o)
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