'Angel on Earth': Boston Marathon's mascot dog Spencer dies at age 13 after battle with cancer
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: Spencer, a cherished golden retriever who was well-known for encouraging Boston Marathon runners, died last Friday on February 17. He died at the age of 13, after battling cancer for several years, according to a statement by his owner, Rich Powers.
"We are devastated to share the news of Spencer's passing," wrote Powers in his lengthy Instagram post. "We were loaned [an] incredible gift in 2009, and we had to return the gift last Friday. Spencer passed in our home with the help of our compassionate vet on Friday."
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Spencer encouraged marathon runners for nine years
According to WCVB-TV, Spencer first made headlines in 2018 while clutching 'Boston Strong' flags in his mouth throughout the rainy marathon that year at his regular place on the course close to Ashland State Park in Boston. He did that for nine years. However, the lovely dog had to take a two-and-a-half-year break during the pandemic as he battled cancer. He made it back to the Boston Marathon after a 3.5-pound tumor was removed.
"Spencer has overcome some severe medical challenges over the past several years. We thought we would be lucky to have him for an extra month," Powers' Instagram post read. "Spencer was not ready to give up and with the love and positive energy sent to him by hundreds of thousands of fans, He beat the odds and gave us 28 months."
The Boston Athletic Association designated Spencer as the 126th Boston Marathon's mascot in 2022. He was introduced as the official canine at a ceremony held at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston close to the finish line.
'He was an angel on earth'
Powers continued, "In September 2022 he again was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. Every day that Spencer was here with us he was beating the odds exponentially. We have enjoyed sharing our special gift with you all. He has been an inspiration to hundreds of thousands of people. He was an angel on earth. Any who had the good fortune to actually meet him in person can attest that when you touched him he emitted pure energy and light."
Powers added, "Our precious boy lived his life to the fullest until his last day. He was never in any pain and we could count on 1 hand how many days he was not doing well since 2020. All the other days we would rate as good or great. He spent his last day doing for himself, eating his sweet potato treats, drinking water and enjoying visitors."