Spencer the Boston Marathon dog honored with portrait at Fairmont Copley Plaza
BOSTON -- Spencer the golden retriever, better known as the official dog of the 126th Boston Marathon, was celebrated in a special way on Wednesday.
Artists unveiled a massive portrait of the beloved pup at the Fairmont Copley Plaza as he is named the honorary canine ambassador for the hotel.
Spencer is known for cheering on Boston Marathon runners each year in Ashland.
He is 13 years old and was diagnosed with untreatable liver cancer in October. It's his second bout with cancer after having a tumor removed in 2020.
Spencer's owners said he is happy and doesn't appear to be in pain but was forced to retire as a therapy dog. He was well enough to attend Wednesday's event.
"We've been given a great gift with Spencer. Early on we realized he was extremely special and our mission was to share him with the world," said owner Rich Powers. "He's inspired all over the globe. I've had Australian runners email me to find out exactly where he will be standing so they can meet him."
The line to get a picture with Spencer during the marathon has been 20 people deep, Powers said.
Powers said Spencer is on a "heartbreak hill" on his own and he's not sure how much longer the dog will live.
"If Spencer is with us during the marathon, he will not be attending the marathon as he has in previous years because he does not have the stamina for that any longer. If we can bring him for a quick picture down there, just to feel the energy one more time, we'll absolutely do that so we're not counting him out," he added.