How Spanish siblings turned late parents' dog collection into record-breaking legacy
A group of siblings honoured their late parents by continuing to grow their beloved collection of dog figurines.
And in the ultimate tribute to them, they’ve had the 5,025 items confirmed as the largest collection of dog-related items in the world.
Rosa Galobardes Galvez, who was born and lived her whole life in Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain, began the collection decades ago, when she was aged around 60.
The collection mainly includes dog figurines made from materials such as ceramic, glass, wood, porcelain, metal, wax, plastic, marble, textile, and resin.
It was a hobby her loving husband Marià Gabarró Grau very much supported.
The salesman and carpenter would hunt down new figures during his business trips to bring home as gifts for his wife.
After Rosa sadly passed away in 2015, Marià kept the collection going, enjoying the thrill of exploring flea markets, antique shops and speciality stores for new items he could then negotiate the best possible price on.
He grew the collection to over 5,000 pieces before he also passed on in March 2024.
Then, the passion project passed to the couple’s children, Nuri, Enric, Miquel and Teresa Gabarró.
They pooled their resources to officially count up the collection, excluding any duplicates, and apply for the world record title in memory of their parents.
The siblings said: "We believe their passion and effort deserve to be shared with the world, inspiring other collectors and enthusiasts."
The figures were distributed between two family residences in Terrassa and Matadepera, making it tricky for the siblings to get things together in one place for the count.
They brought as much as they could to the Terrassa location, but had to leave some things behind as they were fixed to the wall or just simply too big to transport.
Between those things and any duplicates being discounted, the final total was 5,025, and a lasting legacy for Rosa and Marià.
We’re sure they would be incredibly proud.