In 2004, the city council of Athens had the streets cleared of the strays to host the Olympic Games. Many never came back. Since then, an animal protection program has been running on public funds and Εuropean subventions. The present financial crisis, the backdrop of street violence, outrage, and public demonstrations ironically dramatizes the symbol of freedom represented by the dogs without masters who wear collars, but have no leashes, and are to be found in the forefront of all the marches.