Golden retrievers honor late Boston Marathon dog Spencer with walk to finish line

BOSTON – A group of golden retrievers walked to the Boston Marathon finish line on Sunday in honor of iconic marathon dog Spencer, who died recently.

Spencer, the golden retriever who quickly became an icon for the marathon, was known for holding his "Boston Strong" flag on the route near Ashland State Park.

His owners announced that Spencer died earlier this year. Just eight days later, Spencer's niece, an 11-year-old dog named Penny, also died. Penny had been on the Marathon route for Spencer for several years.

"The news of Penny's passing broke the morning of an event that we had," said Elisha Bussiere, the co-founder of MA Golden Meetups. "So we all drove to the event, get out of our cars, and everyone's faces were just very sullen, somber. Just heartbroken. So one of the members suggested why don't we have a representation at the Boston Marathon since Spencer won't be there this year and it just grew from there. It was a wonderful idea."

On Sunday, a "Golden meetup" was held in honor of the marathon dogs.

The owners a group of golden retrievers met on Boston Common and walked to the Boston Marathon finish line. Dogs were wearing bandanas that said "Golden Strong."

In:
• Boston Marathon