The talented men and women of USA Gymnastics (USAG) had someone special on hand to provide support during the recent U.S. Gymnastics Olympic trials ahead of the Paris Olympics.
Four-year-old golden retriever Beacon is USAG's first therapy dog—he even received his own credentials for the trials.USAG hired him part-time to comfort gymnasts and staff.Beacon's role was vital during the trials in Minneapolis, where gymnasts competed for a spot on Team USA for the Paris Olympics.
Beacon, who holds the USAG team's "Goodest Boy" title, attended the trials, which ran June 27-30, with his handler Tracey Callahan Molnar, who has had Beacon since he was a puppy, per ESPN.
The outlet stated the pup was Callahan Molnar's service animal before she had him certified as a therapy dog through Pet Partners.
Callahan Molnar told ESPN how Beacon's presence makes a difference: "Science shows petting a dog or even watching someone pet a dog, can lower blood pressure and anxiety, help increase the feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine, and lower cortisol levels."The former gymnast and coach added that, unsurprisingly, Beacon's presence is much appreciated at events like the trials.
"Everyone wants to say hi, and he wants to say hi to them. It takes 20 minutes to get ... not very far," Callahan Molnar said.Beacon is so beloved that one gymnast suggested he get a promotion.
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