Dolores Costas, affectionately known as Toly, was born in Vigo, Spain. Her love for animals began in a small rural village where her grandmother took her during school holidays.
There, she learned to care for farm animals and developed a deep appreciation for nature and healthy living. In 1974, she moved to London to advance her English studies and became active in animal rights, protesting against the Canadian government’s seal slaughter and global animal cruelty. Her language skills later helped her work as a bilingual secretary in various companies.
After years in England, the happiest period of her life, she returned to Spain to care for her sick mother. There, she shifted her focus to animal rights, campaigning against the poor conditions in pet shops and exposing the grim reality of dog-fighting betting.
In her birthplace, she discovered her passion for martial arts, achieving 3rd dan in Shotokan Karate-Do after years of hard dedication. After the death of her beloved dog, Yolbo, and not wanting to go through that pain again, she decided she would never own a pet, a decision that a seagull would, to some extent, change.
Toly is now retired after a long career teaching English privately to Spanish businesspeople.
Still cherishing her moments of connection with nature, she enjoys her daily walks in Vigo’s parks, reading, the company of her many friends, and, of course, taking care of Maruxa.
