Over the last three years this blog has paid visits to various animal-themed attractions like Amsterdam’s Katten Kabinet, the Bunny Museum in Pasadena, the World’s Largest Pig Museum, and Dog Mountain in Vermont. Well, what’s one more? Located just north of Waco in Texas is Antiquibles, an antique mall that also happens to be the home of the World’s Largest Dog Museum. Even though it’s a store, none of the items in the museum are for sale (well, at least according to this sign).
Apparently the other day (August 26) was National Dog Day so anyone who liked it on Facebook or read its tweets (because holidays now tweet!) will enjoy this museum. You’ll be as happy as a Golden Retriever chasing after a tennis ball. The collection started in 1967 when Barbara and David Hays began buying dog-related items from all over the world. The museum is arranged in glass cases with related items arranged together and catalogued. One case has a variety of Greyhound bus memorabilia, while the next is full of dog salt and pepper shakers. With over 7,000 items on display, the collection includes all things canine: cast iron toys, inkwells, buttons, figurines, and various doggie photos. Some of the more unusual items include an 18th century rifle with a dog head stock, an aluminum Scottie heater, a cast iron dog head hitching post, and a rare tin windup racing Greyhound toy. And the “slightly creepy” award goes to the taxidermied bulldog, who dates from the late 1800s.
Oh, and if your pockets are empty of dog treats and loose change, don’t worry. Like a dog’s unconditional love, the museum is free.
