Catie Copley Memorial Plaque

There is no shortage of historic hotels within Boston, but the Fairmont Copley Plaza is perhaps one of the most well-known. Informational plaques outside hotels and other buildings are very common but one in particular is unique as it’s not dedicated to a person or historical event, but rather a dog who left behind a big impact on the people of Boston.

Catie was a black Lab born in 2001 and was originally trained by the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind. However, she developed small cataracts in her youth and was unable to complete the program. The Fairmont Copley Plaza adopted her in 2004 and became part of the hotel staff. She became a friendly face greeting guests, accompanying them for walks, and serving as a community liaison. When she passed, the City of Boston declared June 23, 2017, as “Catie Copley Day” and the hotel donated $1,000 to the Animal Rescue League of Boston along with a plaque unveiled outside the hotel entrance.

Catie was so popular during her life, that two children’s books were written about her; Catie Copley and Catie Copley’s Great Escape by Deborah Kovacs and Jared T. Williams. The famed Boston Duck Tours also named one of their vehicles after her. Since Catie, two more Canine Ambassadors have been employed at the hotel, Carly Copley and Cori Copley. If you ever stayed at the Copley Plaza and remember Catie, feel free to visit the plaque if you'd like to pay your respect.