Source: AAHA Newstat
Team USA’s women’s gymnastics team has a unique support member in Beacon, a therapy dog who played a vital role in the athletes’ mental well-being leading up to the Paris Games. Although Beacon, a 4-year-old golden retriever, couldn’t attend the Olympics, his presence during training was pivotal for star gymnasts like Simone Biles, Suni Lee, and Jordan Chiles. Unlike service or emotional support animals, Beacon’s role as a therapy dog is to provide stress-relief and happiness, making him an essential part of the team’s mental health resources.
Therapy dogs like Beacon are selected for their calmness, sociability, and ability to sense stress, which Beacon excels at. Beacon is part of a larger team of about 16 therapy dogs introduced to support gymnasts’ mental health, a response to past abuse scandals and increased awareness of mental health needs in sports. His handler, Tracey Callahan Molnar, recognized Beacon’s potential early on, ensuring his suitability for this important role.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.aaha.org/newstat/publications/going-for-golden-how-therapy-dogs-can-help-olympians-retrieve-gold-medals/