Best of Boston

Man’s best Boston Marathon friend, Spencer the golden retriever — who for years stood fast along the race route supporting runners — may be in doggie heaven after losing his battle with cancer in February, but his likeness lives on forever thanks to a Tom Mosser portrait commissioned by Spencer’s human Richard Powers. Exhibited this year just minutes from the race’s starting line, at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, Celebrating Spencer shows the official marathon dog holding a Boston Strong banner — a dutiful inspiration to future generations of very good boys.