In an interview on the program De cap a cap, Albert Marquès has revealed the story of La Canya, a Labrador Retriever who serves as the mascot for Girona FC. This dog not only cheers on the fans at the Montilivi stadium but is also trained to work with people with functional diversity, a characteristic that makes her almost unique in the world of football.

La Canya's primary role is therapeutic, regularly visiting hospitals, special education centers, and elderly care homes. In these settings, her presence helps reduce stress and fosters positive emotional bonds. A recent example of her impact occurred at Hospital Trueta, where a child with functional diversity calmly faced a painful treatment thanks to her companionship.

The project began when Marquès selected La Canya as a puppy for her aptitudes. Subsequently, Girona FC, with its “pet friendly” philosophy, contacted him. The idea of incorporating a canine mascot with a social function perfectly aligned with the club's values, and La Canya was chosen for her docile personality and great adaptability.

One of the biggest challenges was accustoming her to the atmosphere of a football stadium, with loud noises, public address systems, and crowds. For this, an intense socialization process was carried out at Montilivi, with specific training to integrate all these stimuli. The result is an extraordinarily calm dog, capable of feeling comfortable in any situation.

La Canya has also established a special relationship with the Girona players, who often maintain rituals with her before matches. This connection even extends to rival teams, who interact with the dog. Marquès emphasizes that the bond does not depend on fame but on the footballers' attitude towards animals, as seen in a spontaneous moment with FC Barcelona players.

Despite her media presence, La Canya continues her social work, combining therapeutic visits with training and club activities. This dual role makes her a unique figure symbolizing the union between sport and social commitment.