Spencer, a golden retriever who became the Boston Marathon’s official race dog, died at home in Holliston, Mass. on Feb. 17. He was 13 years and 6 ½ months old.
Rich Powers, his owner, said the cause was an inoperable cancer.
Spencer gained worldwide fame as an enthusiastic spectator along the Boston Marathon course. Rain, shine, or “freezing deluge,” Spencer dutifully held a “Boston Strong” flag as tens of thousands of runners streamed by, and hordes of fans stopped midrace for pets and photos. In 2022, he was honored by the Boston Athletic Association, the race’s organizer, as the official dog, the “Grand Barkshal” and a “V.