In Boston, the golden retriever named Spencer, who has become the inspirational supporter of the Boston Marathon runners, was honored on Wednesday with a portrait that shows the beloved pooch holding his favorite flag – “We are Boston Strong.”
According to Spencer’s Facebook page, artist Tom Mosser presented the artwork at a special ceremony at the Fairmont Copley Plaza. The painting had been revealed before the 127th Marathon in April when Spencer had been diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. The dog’s diagnosis had not been made public by his owner, Richard Powers, until now.
Spencer seemed fine as he attended the proud ceremony, but his family has stated they are “beyond devastated to know this amazing angel will leave us soon.”
This isn’t the first time Spencer has fought significant health battles. Since 2020 the 13-year-old dog survived a near rupture of a benign tumor and then a cancerous one the following year. Spencer underwent chemotherapy and went into remission early in 2022. The cancer returned in October.
Our boy is about to turn into Heartbreak Hill and is heading to his own finish line. He’s doing very well, he still does his walks, but his days are limited. We’re not sure how long he’s going to be here. so we reached out to Tom.
Richard Powers
The artwork was completed in just over one month using acrylic ink which stands more than five feet high. The painting now hangs in Powers’ home in Holliston.
If you’re wondering about Spencer’s rise to fame besides being an incredibly beautiful dog who has a talent for making all of us feel better, in 2018, the pup wore a raincoat with flags in his mouth, cheering on runners at the 26.2 mile marathon. As runners went by and noted especially – Spencer’s ears blowing in the wind holding the banner, put smiles on faces all over the world.
Check out previous coverage of Spencer here.
A variety of fund raising prints are now available of “Celebrating Spencer”. I will be donating $100 for every print that is sold to the Morris Animal Foundation’s golden retriever study. ($50 for 16″ x 20″ prints)
Look for mugs and other fundraising MERCH soon!
See more at: https://www.tommosserdesign.com/
Check out the video:
https://www.facebook.com/NBC10Boston/videos/2063971327136445
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