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Holliston - Local Town Pages

Spencer statue unveiling on March 30

Mar 29, 2024 11:50AM ● By By Theresa Knapp
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
with a “Buy a Brick” campaign at www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/spencer.