Hundreds of Golden Retrievers Gather in Boston Common to Honor Beloved Marathon Celebrity Goldens

Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States, is no stranger to special events. But on an overcast day in April, something truly extraordinary happened. Hundreds of golden retrievers, wearing “Golden Strong” bandanas, and their owners gathered in the park to honor two beloved dogs: Spencer and Penny. The event was organized by the Massachusetts Golden Meetups social media account.

Spencer was an iconic symbol of the Boston Marathon for holding a flag that said, “Boston Strong” along the Boston Marathon route, while greeting thousands of runners as they passed. Spencer had multiple bouts with cancer and on February 17 of 2023, he passed away at the age of 13. His niece Penny, who was 11 years old passed away days later after a vet discovered medical issues.

During the Boston Common meetup, Massachusetts Golden Meetups presented a $1,000 check to Spencer and Penny’s human as a donation in their names to the Morris Animal Foundation for K9 Cancer Research. There was also a moment of silence for their memory.

The gathering was a sight to behold. Everywhere you looked, there were golden retrievers of all ages and sizes, wagging their tails and greeting each other with exuberance. The dogs hung out with their humans while spectators took pictures of them and gave them lots of pets in the park.

In the end, the gathering of golden retrievers in Boston Common was a beautiful tribute to Spencer and Penny, and a celebration of the bond between dogs and humans. It was a reminder that, even in the face of tragedy, love and kindness can triumph. It was a testament to the enduring legacy of two remarkable dogs who touched so many lives.

If you wish to join MA Golden Meetups or buy a Golden Strong bandana, head to the MA Golden Meetup Wesbite here.