Beloved Canine Mascot of the Boston Marathon, Spencer, Leaves a Lasting Legacy

The golden retriever named Spencer, widely recognized for his ardor in supporting runners at the Boston Marathon with his signature “Boston Strong” banner, has sadly passed away at 13 from cancer. Spencer was adored for the passionate role he played at the historic race since 2015, as he would cheer on participants with flags gripped in his jaws. In 2022, his extraordinary spirit was commemorated as he was appointed the Official Dog for the 126th iteration of the Marathon—a title that will forever be his own.

Dubbed “an angel on Earth” by his human, photographer Richard Powers, in a touching Instagram tribute, Spencer was not only a beacon of motivation to the marathoners but also offered comfort as a therapy dog. In a remarkable show of resilience, he successfully battled cancer and emerged from the removal of a sizable tumor in 2020, returning to lift the spirits of many at 2021’s event.

Despite his strong will, Spencer was diagnosed with terminal cancer affecting his liver in September and departed on February 17, amidst the love and warmth of his family. In an interview with Good Morning America, Powers recounted the extraordinary moment in 2018 when Spencer, clad in a raincoat, won hearts during stormy weather at the race.

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Spencer’s legacy is celebrated through numerous poignant remembrances on Powers’s Instagram, where fans share how he touched their lives. A user named heidi_lynn reminisces a particularly touching encounter with Spencer during the 2022 marathon:

“I petted him and whispered in his ear—I’m a cancer survivor too. It felt like a magical moment and was the highlight of my race.”

Others also voiced their appreciation, acknowledging Spencer’s indelible contribution to their marathon experiences. Though he has crossed the rainbow bridge, Spencer is held dear in the hearts of many as the epitome of encouragement and joy.

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Spencer’s legacy was visually immortalized before his passing, with the unveiling of a magnificent painting by Tom Mosser in January. Now a cherished feature in the Powers household, this artwork captures the memorable image of Spencer with his flags aloft, caught in the breeze. As a seasoned marathoner himself, Mosser felt inspired by the scene of Spencer’s dedication enduring through blustery conditions, stating, “The sight of Spencer’s ears blowing in the wind as he held the marathon banners so firmly on that cold and rainy day is so iconic. Seeing the smiles of the runners each year as they saw him was a joy. It was such a pleasure creating the piece to celebrate Spencer and the Boston Marathon.”