More than 100 golden retrievers to gather at Boston Marathon finish line in honor of Spencer, Penny

BOSTON — More than 100 golden retrievers plan to congregate at the Boston Marathon finish line later this month to honor Spencer, the race’s official dog, after the beloved pup lost a lengthy battle with cancer in February.

The social group MA Golden Meetups says it plans to lead a massive pack of goldens down Boylston Street in honor of Spencer’s life, as well as his sister Penny, who passed away just days later from cancer.

The dogs will be wearing bandanas that say “Golden Strong” in homage to Spencer’s famous “Boston Strong” flag and will spend time with runners, families, and visitors at the Marathon finish line the day before the marathon on Sunday, April 16.

A portion of all proceeds from the bandanas will be donated to the Morris Animal Foundation’s research on canine cancer in golden retrievers.

“Spencer and Penny’s deaths shook the Massachusetts golden retriever community. We all felt connected to them through our love for these dogs and all golden retrievers. Our members wanted to do something for the Marathon to spread love and offer comfort in memory of these dogs who brought joy and comfort to so many others,” Elisha Bussiere, Co-Founder & Marketing Director of MA Golden Meetups, said in a news release.

Spencer became known nationwide as a symbol of the Boston Marathon for holding a flag reading “Boston Strong” along the marathon route and greeting runners as they passed.

Spencer first went viral in 2018 when braved rainy weather to cheer on runners at his favorite spot along the 26.2-mile route near Ashland State Park.

A video of him dressed in a raincoat with the flags in his mouth was widely shared by news outlets across the country.

The 13-year-old dog had gone through a number of health battles since 2020. Prior to his passing, Spencer was honored with a massive portrait during a special ceremony at the Fairmont Copley Plaza.

Penny’s death came eight days after Spencer died on February 17 at the age of 13. Penny, along with Spencer, were therapy dogs.

Spencer and Penny’s owners, the Powers family started a fundraiser in honor of them.

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