Beloved Boston Marathon Therapy Dog Has Terminal Cancer

BOSTON, MA — Spencer, the beloved 12-year-old golden retriever that appears at the Boston Marathon each year, has been diagnosed with terminal spleen cancer, a post on the dog's Facebook page announced.

After having a roughly softball-sized tumor surgically removed last week, Spencer's owners said Tuesday morning that the tumor was not benign, and that the golden retriever has a rare, terminal spleen cancer.

But the owners said Spencer's cancer is early and is considered low grade, and said they can still expect more quality time with him.

"We are devastated & are doing our best at fighting back the tears while we realize our time with this amazing boy is limited," the Facebook post reads. "We are constantly reminding ourselves HE IS STILL HERE there will be plenty of time for tears later."

Spencer is "recovering wonderfully" from the surgery and is still doing the things he loves, the Facebook page said, and there's a chance he'll be able to attend the Boston Marathon again.

The golden retriever became infamous in 2018, when a photo of him watching the marathon while holding blue and yellow flags circulated, The Boston Globe reported.

Every year since, the newspaper said, he's attended the race.

Now, his owners are raising money for golden retriever cancer research through the Morris Animal Foundation, WCVB reported.

The family told the TV station that they've received thousands of messages of support and people asking what they can do to help.