Update on U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Therapy Golden Retriever Has People in Their Feelings

Beacon, the Golden Retriever therapy dog for the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics routine, is now home after being hospitalized following the games.

On September 9, 2024, Beacon's Instagram account (@goldendogbeacon) shared an update on his health following a scare. Here's what we know.

On Instagram, Beacon's mom, Tracy Callahan Molnar, updated us on his health, starting with the good news that he's now home.

Related: Meet Beacon, a Golden Retriever Therapy Dog and Team U.S.A. Gymnastics' 'Goodest Boy'

According to The Olympic Games, Beacon got sick while at the games in Paris.

"The friendly canine, who provided support during the U.S. Olympic trials, suffered from stiffness, labored breathing, and a fever which led to needing medical attention," The Olympic Games explains.

He's been receiving treatment in Paris, but his mom recently shared that he's now home.

"Beacon is home!! He's home!!" she wrote. He's not 100% back to himself yet since he is still receiving treatment at home due to the "excess fluid" from his chest cavity that needs to be drained. Tracey received training on releasing the excess fluid, allowing her to care for him at home."

"Beacon is producing far less fluid likely because of meds so that is trending in a good direction while we are still awaiting a diagnosis," Tracey's announcement continued.

He's also now starting to eat, which is a huge sign he's starting to feel better.

"Beacon has some appetite, eating some of his meals on his own and me hand feeding him the rest," Tracy celebrated. "I’m happy to say, beacon ate his entire dinner on his own."

In the comments, there are many celebrations and expressions of support for Beacon. People are glad that he's now home and hope that he will be 100% back to himself soon.

One wrote, "Yay, Beacon!! This news makes my day!"

Another shared, "Wow what a good news!!! Feel better soon Beaks. Praying for your speed recovery!"

Someone else added, "Hopefully, recovery at home proves to be the best medicine. Sending positive thoughts and virtual treats."

A TikTok user wrote, "This is great news, Tracey! I'm so happy he's feeling better and finally home with you! "

Beacon Is the First Therapy Dog U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team

Beacon, a beautiful Golden Retriever, is four years old, and this year, he was a proud member of the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team.

As a registered therapy dog, he joined the team for meets and competitions to help them during the stressful times of being an athlete.

"He picks up on the stress and will pull to that person immediately," his mom, Tracy, told ESPN. "They absorb the stress of the people they're relieving the stress off of. So even though he might be lying still for two hours, he's wiped out afterward."

According to Service Dog Training School International, Golden Retrievers are especially good therapy dogs and service dogs because of their "intelligence, trainability, eagerness to learn and please their owner, friendly personality, loving nature, balanced temperament, and loyalty. "

Get better soon, Beacon! We're all cheering for you.