Spencer, the official dog of theBoston Marathon, (left) and the statue of Spencer unveiled on the marathon route in 2024.Photo:David L. Ryan/getty; John Tlumacki/Getty

Spencer the Boston Marathon Dog

David L. Ryan/getty; John Tlumacki/Getty

A beloved golden retriever is being honored for being Boston strong.

Spencer’s owner, Rich Powers, began the tradition with his cherished pet after theBoston Marathon bombingin 2013. Still, the dog didn’t go viral until 2018 when he showed up in the pouring rain holding “Boston Strong” flags in his mouth to show his support for the drenched athletes.

There’s also a portrait of Spencer at the headquarters for Boston Marathon activity.David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty

Boston, MA - January 4: A massive portrait of the Boston Marathons famous dog icon and inspiration to people worldwide Spencer was unveiled by the artist at Fairmont Copley Plaza, headquarters for Boston Marathon activity. Spencer and his owner Rich Powers, left, with the artist Tom Mosser who gives a kiss to Spencer.

David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty

The famous dog faced a medical challenge in 2020 when he was diagnosed with a tumor. Despite his health struggles, Spencer kept spreading smiles through the COVID-19 pandemicon social media.

He returned to his favorite Boston Marathon spot in 2021. In February 2023, Powerannounced on Instagramthat the dog had died after overcoming multiple bouts of cancer.

“We are devastated to share the news of Spencer’s passing,” Powers wrote. “We were loaned [an] incredible gift in 2009, and we had to return the gift last Friday.”

Golden retrievers posing with of Spencer, the official dog of the Boston Marathon.John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty

Ashland, MA - March 30: A statue was dedicated to honor Spencer, a Golden Retriever therapy dog who became the official dog of the Boston Marathon. Spencer from Holliston stood on the course in Ashland and held a Boston Strong flag in its mouth. The dog died from cancer on Feb. 17, 2023.

John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty

WBZ News reported that Spencer’s numerous fans came up with the idea to commission a statue in honor of the golden retriever. The dog’s supporters also started a fundraiser to finance the statue.

A statue created to honor Spencer, a golden retriever who became the official dog of the Boston Marathon.John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty

Ashland, MA - March 30: A statue was dedicated to honor Spencer, a Golden Retriever therapy dog who became the official dog of the Boston Marathon. Spencer from Holliston stood on the course in Ashland and held a Boston Strong flag in its mouth. The dog died from cancer on Feb. 17, 2023.

Once the statue was completed, Spencer’s fans came through again and got the tribute a permanent place on the marathon route. The Ashland Select Board denied the request to put the statue on town property, per WBZ News, so residents Robin Hicks and Cynthia Eynon Hicks donated a piece of their private land across the street from Spencer’s spot for the statue.

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Robin told the local news that he donated his property so people could “just enjoy and reflect - sit there and think of what, as a human being, you could do what this dog did.”

source: people.com