{"id":4507,"date":"2024-08-26T14:26:05","date_gmt":"2024-08-26T18:26:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ovrs.com\/blog\/?p=4507"},"modified":"2024-08-26T14:26:06","modified_gmt":"2024-08-26T18:26:06","slug":"beacon-olympic-gymnastics-team-emotional-support-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ovrs.com\/blog\/beacon-olympic-gymnastics-team-emotional-support-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"Beacon: Olympic Gymnastics Team Emotional Support Dog"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Any pet owner knows how much peace an animal\u2019s presence<\/a> can provide. Therapy animals provide unmatched support for people going through hard times. For the Paris Olympics, the U.S. women\u2019s gymnastics team found emotional support from with Beacon, a golden retriever who was a key factor in their first place finish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Emotional Support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beacon<\/a> joined the gymnasts and other Olympic hopefuls back in June at the Olympic trials. The four-year-old golden retriever was there to comfort athletes before they competed, after learning their scores, and whenever they needed a little bit of extra love. On top of his adorable appearance and silky coat that\u2019s just begging to be petted, he also has an incredible emotional intuition. He can feel when someone really needs him, and he\u2019s sure to comply when it\u2019s his time to shine. Whether someone needs a hug or just someone to lie next to, Beacon was ready and waiting to provide whatever they needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comfort Travels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beacon and his human, Tracey Callahan Molnar, are based in Pasadena, California, but travel when needed to provide much needed mental and emotional support<\/a> for the gymnasts. From Minnesota to Paris, Beacon\u2019s empathy and calming presence have gifted much needed stress relief to the athletes. His Olympic credentials list him as the \u201cGoodest Boy,\u201d and anyone who has spent any time with him will agree to that moniker. His mere presence is enough to take away some of the stress of such a high-stakes competition. When not traveling, he offers his emotional support at local hospitals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golden Health Resources <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The USA Gymnastics has received a lot of negative attention in recent years about scandals and mental health struggles. Beacon is one part of the organization\u2019s attempt to revamp the way they approach the sport, and to provide important resources for their athletes. Along with Beacon, a group of other therapy dogs were present at the games. There are also therapists and mindfulness sessions to help the ladies go into the competition feeling their absolute best. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Success of Emotional Support Animals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Emotional support animals are incredible tools<\/a> for anyone who needs a little extra comfort. Although they often work with people with some kind of emotional problem, their presence can be a relief for anyone. Animals like Beacon have been known to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n