Less than 24 hours before nearly 30,000 athletes from more than 100 countries would compete in the 127th Boston Marathon, the marathon’s finish line was flooded with a different kind of energy… the Golden strong one.
It was a sight to behold, filled with hundreds of four-legged pooches, a lot of fluffiness, and an immense amount of happiness.
Almost 250 or so Golden Retrievers gathered ahead of the race to walk a mile in honor of Spencer, the official dog of the Boston Marathon who died in February 2023.
The “Boston Marathon Golden Retriever Meetup” was one of several events happening the day before the big race, but it was surely the one that brought the most happiness and smiles.
It was such a golden moment.
All dogs were on their best behavior, and they happily posed for many pictures.
Many of the pups sported a yellow bandana with the “Golden Strong” caption. The proceeds of the bandanas go to Morris Animal Foundation’s canine cancer research in Golden Retrievers.
What everyone thought would only be a couple of dogs quickly turned into a field of beautiful Golden Retrievers who walked together with their owners to the finish line.
“We all need hope. We all need happiness, especially in recent years… everyone can use a smile. Who better than Golden Retrievers to bring that smile?”, said Elisha Bussiere, co-founder of MA Golden Meetups.
What made this meetup even more significant and touching was the fact that they were all there in honor of another well-known Golden Retriever pup.
Spencer became famous worldwide as the enthusiastic spectator of the Boston Marathon who cheered on the runners.
Not even rain could stop this beautiful pup from being there and dutifully holding a “Boston Strong” flag in his mouth while also supporting the runners.
In 2022, the Boston Athletic Association honored Spencer as the Official Dog of the Boston Marathon, stating that, “Spencer the Dog has become an icon and beacon of hope for Boston Marathoners each and every year.”
Sadly, Spencer’s years of service came to an end in February 2023 due to cancer. “Everyone claims to have the best dog, and no one is wrong,” said Spencer’s dad, Rich Powers. “Spencer did not know he was as special as he was.”
Tragically, only eight days after Spencer had crossed the rainbow bridge, his soulmate and his best friend, Penny, also died of cancer and grief. Penny could always be seen right next to Spencer along the race day route.
“Penny was the sweetest pup who liked to make a difference. She took Spencer’s passing very hard,” wrote Powers in a beautiful post on his Instagram. “You are with your soulmate, Spencer… with your frisbees and ball. You are forever in our hearts.”
Spencer and Penny might not be attending the race anymore, but their dad will continue the tradition at Mile 3 with Spencer’s flag and the blue rain jacket that once protected the precious dog from harsh weather.
“Spencer was my favorite part of the marathon,” said Stephanie Ormond, who came to the event, but I am sure that she is not the only one.
Spencer was, for many, a beacon of hope and a source of happiness, and he forever will be.
To cheer you up, here is a video of the meetup and the touching tribute to Spencer and Penny: