In Girona, Girona FC’s Labrador Retriever mascot, La Canya, has become a familiar part of the club since October 2022. She is due to turn eight soon, and the club says she was the first canine mascot for a football team.
Albert Marquès, director of CTAC Girona and an educational intervention technician with dogs, is La Canya’s handler and constant companion. He said fans have taken to her quickly, adding that people greet her at the stadium and elsewhere, and that she has become another member of the club.
La Canya’s main role is to spend time with children, older people and people with special needs. She attends matches and other club events, where she offers comfort and interaction. Marquès said she has a strong bond with young supporters, especially children in wheelchairs who give her treats on match days.
Her popularity has also meant she sometimes needs a quiet moment. Marquès said that if she feels overwhelmed by too many hands at once, she looks for him, and settles once she finds him.
For readers following Girona FC coverage, see our news page for more local updates. For background on the club, Girona FC’s official site is available at gironafc.cat, and CTAC Girona’s official site is ctac.cat.
