Ashland, Massachusetts, now boasts a permanent tribute to a local legend of sportsmanship and canine cheer. On Saturday, a statue honoring Spencer, the adored golden retriever known for his unwavering support of Boston Marathon runners, was unveiled. Spencer garnered national fame in 2018 when a video of him championing runners while adorned in a raincoat and gripping flags went viral. After a valiant battle with cancer, Spencer passed away in February 2023.
Speaking to Boston 25 News, Rich Powers, Spencer’s owner, reflected on the dog’s impact, "This has been an incredible journey,” adding, “We did this for the world.” It seems the world was keen to remember the golden retriever, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $39,000 to bring the statue to life. According to a Boston Herald report, the Ashland Select Board originally rejected the statue, but local residents Robin and Cynthia Hicks stepped up to dedicate a portion of their land for the memorial.
The heartwarming statue, crafted by Bucaccio's Sculpture Services in Canton, captures Spencer in his most iconic pose — holding the flags. Rich Powers hopes that it will become a landmark and inspiration for marathon participants. "They’re going to want to touch that nose and give it a little boop as they go by, so we made it prominent", Powers said in an interview with WHDH. Now Powers' new dogs, Jimmy and Jade, are set to continue Spencer's legacy as marathon greeters. Powers shared, “Jimmy is at Spencer-level of holding the flags," although he openly wondered how the newcomer would handle the clamor of cowbells.
The commemoration attracted a large crowd dotted with golden retrievers, reflecting the outpouring of love not just locally but from well beyond Massachusetts' borders. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Barbara A. Walsh, inspired by Spencer's legacy, has authored a book titled "SPENCER: Boston’s Beloved Marathon Dog". "Courage, inspiration, kindness – we could use all of those, and Spencer certainly gave his heart to everybody," Walsh told the Boston Herald. Runner Jessica Coyne Ritter, who experienced Spencer's presence during her marathon run, reflected on how he eased the strain of the race, "Sometimes it can get rough, and you have to dig down deep, but you don’t have to dig down deep with Spencer because he’s just there and you get to love him," she said according to the Herald.
As the Boston Marathon approaches, the statue in Ashland is set to not only be a snapshot of Spencer's enduring spirit but also an embodiment of community support and shared history along the famed 26.2-mile course.
