Beacon, USA Gymnastics Team Therapy Dog, Hospitalized with Stiffness, Labored Breathing and Fever

Beacon, the golden retriever who provided support during the U.S. Gymnastics Olympic trials this summer, has been hospitalized.

The canine’s owner, Tracey Callahan Molnar, revealed that Beacon has been experiencing medical issues in an Instagram post on Wednesday, Sept. 4.

“This is an incredibly difficult post to make,” Callahan Molnar began the caption, adding that raising awareness about Beacon’s condition could mean more well wishes from the dog’s 52,000 followers.

Callahan Molnar wrote that Beacon was admitted to an emergency pet hospital the previous day with symptoms that included stiffness, labored breathing and a fever, despite undergoing treatments such as anti-inflammatory medication and cold laser therapy.

The update added that x-rays taken on Tuesday showed fluid in Beacon’s chest cavity was at least partly responsible for the labored breathing. 

“The high fever was of great concern to his veterinarian,” Callahan Molnar wrote. “The recommendation was to transport him to an emergency hospital with specialists who could diagnose and begin to treat him.”

Callahan Molnar added that potential causes for Beacon’s symptoms are still being ruled out.

“My biggest request is to please, please send beacon good wishes, in whatever form that comes; positive thoughts, prayer, virtual hugs, whatever speaks to you,” the post concluded. “We know that beacon provides animal assisted therapy but i hope you know that he loves people so much that the in-person interactions he had with so many of you are also meaningful to him.”

The USA Gymnastics team also shared a message for the special canine on Wednesday that linked to a GoFundMe page to help with his medical expenses and read, “We’re wishing Good Boy Beacon a speedy recovery!”

The 4-year-old golden retriever is USAG's first therapy dog, and received his own credentials for the trials in Minneapolis, which ran from June 27 to 30 ahead of the Paris Olympics. He holds the USAG team's “Goodest Boy” title.

According to ESPN, Callahan Molnar — who accompanied Beacon to the trials — has had him since he was a puppy. 

Beacon was Callahan Molnar's service animal before she had him certified as a therapy dog through Pet Partners, per the outlet.

“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 told ESPN.

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“Everyone wants to say hi, and he wants to say hi to them. It takes 20 minutes to get … not very far,” Callahan Molnar added.

When the trials ended, Callahan Molnar shared a heartfelt message on Beacon's Instagram, expressing “so many feels” over the experience.

“It is a great privilege for Beacon and me to spend time with and support these amazing gymnasts and their coaches—each and every one of them. We have a front-row seat to witnessing their commitment to excellence and collaborative efforts to get there,” the post read. 

“I am proud that USA Gymnastics has brought pet therapy to the sport, and not just brought it—but truly embraced and supported it. My gratitude is big! And Beacon? Proud doesn’t even scratch the surface of how I feel. Whether these gymnasts made/make the 2024 US Olympic team or not- this is TEAM USA and we are honored to be a part,” the message concluded.