On Saturday, March 30, a 40-inch bronze statue will be dedicated to Spencer, the

official dog of the 126th Boston Marathon. Spencer, a golden retriever therapy dog, died

in 2023.
The event will take place from noon to 2 p.m. at 11 Frankland Road in Ashland, at the

intersection of Olive, Frankland and West Union Streets, along the marathon route.

There is limited parking on the field to the right of the driveway, and there is no parking

on Route 135.
The event will also include a meet and greet with Barbara Walsh, the author of

“Spencer, Boston’s Beloved Marathon Dog” (2023).

Spencer’s owner, Rich Powers of Holliston, said that, for years, Spencer cheered on

thousands of runners competing in the Boston Marathon. Whether rain or shine,

Spencer brought joy, love and smiles to all runners who passed him, making him not

only man's best friend, but the marathon's best friend. Spencer will be remembered as the official Boston Strong dog.

The statue was crafted by Jeff Buccacio of Buccacio Sculpture Services in Canton. It

pays homage to the remarkable legacy of Spencer who, along with his niece Penny, sat

at Ashland State Park and cheered on Marathon runners for many years. In October,

Powers sought to have a statue installed near that site but was denied by the Select

Board.

Funds for the project were raised through a grassroots community outreach to Boston

Marathon runners and friends of a Facebook page @Spencerpowrs. Fundraising

continues at www.gofundme.com/f/statue-of-spencer-boston-marathonofficial-dog and

with a “Buy a Brick” campaign at www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/spencer.