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Spencer, the golden retriever, is now the official dog of the 126th Boston Marathon
Matt Reed
Reporter
Spencer, the golden retriever, is now the official dog of the 126th Boston Marathon
REPORTER: THERE'S BEEN PLENTY OF LIMOS THAT PULLED UP TO THE COPLEY PLAZA HOTEL OVER THE YEARS. SPENCER, THE BELOVED MARATHON DOG. THE COPLEY PLEASE PULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS INCLUDING A WELCOME COMMITTEE FROM THE CANINE AMBASSADOR TO GREET SPENCER AND HIS NIECE PENNY. IN HONORING SPENCER'S EIGHT YEARS OF SERVICE CHEERING ON BOSTON MARATHON RUNNERS. >> YOU ARE THE OFFIALIC DOG OF THE 126th BOSTON MARATHON. [ APPLAUSE ] REPORTER: LAST TWO MARATHONS HAVEN'T BEEN GUARANTEED FOR SPENCER. AFTER DOCTORS FOUND A THREE AND A HALF BENIGN TUMOR IN 2020 THAT RUPTURED. ONLY TO FIND ANOTHER TUMOR THE NEXT YEAR. >> I FIGHT BKAC TEARS. REPORTER: SPENCER'S OWNER OVERWHELMED BY THE MESSAGES AROUND THE WORLD OFFERING PRAYER AND SUPPORT. NOW HAPPY TO REPORT THAT THE 12-YEAR-OLD PUP'S CANCER IS NOW IN REMISSION. JUST IN TIME FOR THIS YEAR'S RACE. >> IT'S A MIRACLE. HE'S A MIRACLE BOY. HE'S AN INSPIRATION FOROT L OF PEOPLE THAT YOU CAN DO IT. REPORTER: AS LONG ASHE T TEERMPATURE NOT TOO HOT ON RACE DAY, SPENCER WILL BE OUT IN HIS NORMAL SPOT IN ASHLAND STATE PARK. IF YOU WANT TO TAKE PHOSTO RUNN
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Spencer, the golden retriever, is now the official dog of the 126th Boston Marathon
Matt Reed
Reporter
The Boston Marathon’s most famous canine companion was officially recognized by the Boston Athletic Association Wednesday. Spencer, the golden retriever, was named the official dog of the 126th Boston Marathon.He received a race bib bearing his name before he shook the presenter’s hand. He became an icon for holding his "Boston Strong" flag at his usual spot during the race, regardless of the weather, for eight years. Richard Powers, Spencer's dog dad, said the love Spencer gets on race day is likely his motivation to keep going.The 12-year-old golden retriever has been through a rough couple of years. He had a three-and-a-half-pound benign tumor removed in 2020 and doctors discovered a cancerous tumor about a year later.Powers has been receiving messages from around the world offering prayers and support."I’d have to fight back tears," he said. "It means so much to me."He is planning to return to the racecourse next week after a positive turn in his high-profile cancer battle. His cancer is now in remission."It’s a miracle, he’s a miracle boy," Powers said.
BOSTON —

The Boston Marathon’s most famous canine companion was officially recognized by the Boston Athletic Association Wednesday. Spencer, the golden retriever, was named the official dog of the 126th Boston Marathon.

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He received a race bib bearing his name before he shook the presenter’s hand.

He became an icon for holding his "Boston Strong" flag at his usual spot during the race, regardless of the weather, for eight years. Richard Powers, Spencer's dog dad, said the love Spencer gets on race day is likely his motivation to keep going.

The 12-year-old golden retriever has been through a rough couple of years. He had a three-and-a-half-pound benign tumor removed in 2020 and doctors discovered a cancerous tumor about a year later.

Powers has been receiving messages from around the world offering prayers and support.

"I’d have to fight back tears," he said. "It means so much to me."

He is planning to return to the racecourse next week after a positive turn in his high-profile cancer battle. His cancer is now in remission.

"It’s a miracle, he’s a miracle boy," Powers said.