In a heartwarming tribute to the “official dog” of the Boston Marathon, a statue of Spencer the golden retriever was unveiled in Ashland, Mass., on the weekend, CBS News reported. Spencer’s presence along the marathon route was legendary as he stood for hours, rain or shine, to bring joy to thousands of passing runners.
The beloved furry ambassador died of cancer in 2023 after a three-year battle, with his sister, Penny, dying only days later. In a 2022 ceremony, the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) named Spencer the marathon’s official dog; they unveiled a portrait of Spencer in 2023 before he died.
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Spencer’s story goes beyond being a marathon spectator–he is also a symbol of resilience and compassion. From carrying the Boston Strong flag after the 2013 bombings to excelling in his role as an official therapy dog, Spencer offered encouragement to many.”We had lines of people when Spencer was with us, lines of people,” Spencer’s owner, Rich Powers, told CBS News. “Not talking like three or four people, it was like 20 people deep waiting to take a picture. They’re stopping the marathon to take a picture with Spencer, and he loved every second of it!”
The idea to immortalize Spencer with a statue came from runners and community members. After some local fundraising, sculptor Jeff Buccacio meticulously crafted a tribute that captures Spencer’s essence. Though denied a place on town property, Spencer’s statue found a home on private land, graciously offered by local residents, that overlooks the route where Spencer once stood. Powers is now training two pups, called Jimmy and Jade, to step into Spencer’s shoes and carry on his tradition along the sidelines of the race every April. “Thank you to all that helped to make this happy,” Powers said at the statue reveal. “Spencer is back on the marathon route.”
