FOXBORO, Mass. — Spencer, the beloved Boston Marathon Dog, was laid to rest Wednesday with his famed Boston Strong flag draped across him and a race medal around his neck, his owner told Boston 25.
Spencer, who lost a lengthy battle with cancer in February, was buried alongside his sister, Penny, who passed away just days later from the same disease.
The owner of the two dogs, Rich Powers, said the pups were laid next to each other in a pet cemetery in Foxboro with their therapy dog bandanas.
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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 around 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.
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On Sunday, one day before the running of the 127th Boston Marathon, more than 100 golden retrievers will cross the finish line on Boylston Street in honor of Spencer’s life.
Come race day, Powers says he plans to be posted up at the usual spot he and Spencer frequented over the years with two large signs and a Spencer t-shirt that reads, “Forever Boston Strong.”
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Powers noted that Ashland police plan to hang a large banner in front of their new building with both Spencer and Penny on it.
He has since launched a fundraiser in honor of Spencer and Penny.
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