The men and women of the Team USA gymnastics team wrapped up an incredible run at the Paris Olympics today. Their final medal count: 10. And that success is due in part to their four-legged good luck charm, a fur-friend who provided essential emotional support this past year as they prepared for the big event.
Yes, we’re talking about Beacon the gymnastics therapy dog, who became a superstar when he appeared at the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials in Minneapolis to lend a supporting paw. But the golden retriever’s story started several years ago when he was adopted as a puppy by Tracey Callahan Molnar.
“When he is with people and getting their love and giving his love…he’s living his best life.”
Tracey, who has a passion for volunteering, began her journey in pet therapy with her dog Tulsa, who has since passed away. Tracey and her husband noticed how much joy Tulsa brought to people, and how much joy he seemed to get from working with people. She says, “We acknowledged that he would make a great therapy dog, but we didn’t really know everything that was involved.”