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Route 135 through Ashland, Massachusetts is a relatively quiet area dotted with residential neighborhoods, businesses, offices, and other establishments. However, once a day in April, this road is packed with thousands of people who run in the Boston Marathon cheered on by spectators. There are several historical markers commemorating the event but one located directly across from the Ashland Community Center is a little different as it’s not dedicated to a particular person but to a dog. One who will become the official mascot of the 126th Boston Marathon in 2022.
Spencer, a golden retriever was born in 2009 at a breeder’s farm in Upton, MA. His future owner Rich Powers already had two other golden retrievers named Misty and Mandy with no plans of getting another. However, after Mandy died on the same day Spencer was born, Misty became very depressed. Shortly after, Powers took his wife to the breeder’s farm and picked up Spencer when he was eight weeks old. It soon became evident Spencer was a very intelligent dog and Powers wanted to share his smarts and compassion with the rest of the community. Spencer became a therapy dog visiting local schools, colleges, assisted living facilities, and hospitals. He became a friendly face to everyone going through various hardships and was adored by all who encountered him.
In 2015, two years after the Boston Marathon Bombing, Powers gave Spencer a pair of “Boston Strong” flags as he enjoyed holdings things and together, they cheered on the runners as they went by for the 26.2-mile journey. The 2018 marathon was rainy and drizzly but that didn’t deter Spencer as he wore a navy-colored jacket along with flags perched in his mouth and squinting as droplets fell on his face. Powers uploaded a video of Spencer in the rain which ended up going viral and people expressing interest from all over the world. Spencer would continue to support the runners but was diagnosed with cancer in 2021. In the days leading up to the 2022 marathon, the Boston Athletic Association held a ceremony for Spencer where he arrived via limousine and was presented a race bib with his name and become the official mascot of the 126th marathon.
By the start of 2023, Spencer’s health was slowly deteriorating and he passed away on February 17th. Shortly after, an idea was proposed of building a statue dedicated to Spencer and a fundraiser was set up raising over $39,000. Local sculptor Jeff Buccacio crafted the sculpture and it was officially dedicated in March 2024 several weeks before the 128th marathon. Although Spencer may be gone, his legacy will live on eternally in bronze watching the runners go by as he did in life and inspiring fellow pooches for years to come.