![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/residents-gutted-after-town-refuse-to-honour-famous-dog-that-attended-marathon/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/0_Spencer-Marathon-dog.jpg&description=Spencer, the beloved "Official Dog of the Boston Marathon," was set to be honored with a community statue - but his owner faces a major set back The beloved "Official Dog of the Boston Marathon," Spencer the Golden Retriever, was set to be immortalised in stone with a community statue - but his owner has hit a major roadblock. For seven years, Spencer became known for standing unwaveringly in the same spot along the Ashland portion of the Boston Marathon, carrying flags of encouragement in his mouth. Rain or shine Spencer dutifully held a 'Boston Strong' flag as tens of thousands of runners streamed by, and hordes of fans stopped for pets and photos But after Spencer died last February of liver cancer, his owner Rich Powers, sought to immortalize him with a statue. However, his efforts hit a roadblock when the Ashland Select Board rejected the proposal, sparking disappointment among residents. His owner said Spencer's loyal presence garnered the admiration of countless people, and he received an outpouring of messages when he sadly died. He was 13 years and 6 ½ months old. Volunteers diligently worked to turn the idea into reality, raising funds for a bronze likeness of Spencer, which would stand over three feet tall. The ideal location for the statue was near the Ashland Community Center, close to Spencer's cherished spot along the marathon route. However, this plan required the approval of the Ashland Select Board. During the recent pitch to the board, Rich encountered opposition. Some members expressed that Spencer, despite his enduring presence at the Boston Marathon, did not have a direct connection to Ashland as he did not serve as a police canine or engage in community events like school and senior center visits. This perspective led some members to believe that the town should reserve public property for subjects with a deeper connection to the community. The vote to allow the statue on Community Center land resulted in a split decision, with Board Members C){kind=link}
Spencer, the beloved “Official Dog of the Boston Marathon,” was set to be honored with a community statue – but his owner faces a major set back
The beloved “Official Dog of the Boston Marathon,” Spencer the Golden Retriever, was set to be immortalised in stone with a community statue – but his owner has hit a major roadblock.
For seven years, Spencer became known for standing unwaveringly in the same spot along the Ashland portion of the Boston Marathon, carrying flags of encouragement in his mouth.
Rain or shine Spencer dutifully held a “Boston Strong” flag as tens of thousands of runners streamed by, and hordes of fans stopped for pets and photos
But after Spencer died last February of liver cancer, his owner Rich Powers, sought to immortalize him with a statue. However, his efforts hit a roadblock when the Ashland Select Board rejected the proposal, sparking disappointment among residents.