Dogs are known for being super loyal and great at relieving stress, and Olympic gymnasts are no different when it comes to needing a little help to unwind. This year, at the Olympic trials, the gymnastics team had a special stress-buster: a golden retriever named Beacon Miller. He quickly became a favorite with both the women’s team and their fans, winning everyone over with his calming presence. Beacon is USA Gymnastics’ first therapy dog and has his own Instagram page, which is filled with snapshots of him with Olympians like Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, former Olympic gymnasts Aly Raisman and Laurie Hernandez, and many more athletes.

After the US Olympic trials, Suni Lee shared her appreciation for a special four-legged helper in an Instagram post marking the first day of trials. The 21-year-old gymnast gave credit to none other than the 4-year-old golden retriever, Beacon, for helping her through the journey. “Thank god for Beacon,” she captioned the post, filled with gratitude. The post included several heartwarming photos, one showing Suni smiling next to Beacon, who proudly sported his official USA Gymnastics “Staff” credentials, grinning as if he knew he was part of something special.

Not long after winning hearts, the beloved four-legged star of Team USA, Beacon, faced a sudden health scare that sent him to emergency care. Beacon’s official Instagram shared the alarming news: “Beacon was admitted yesterday to an emergency pet hospital after some symptoms he was having (stiffness, moving into labored breathing, and then fever) were not reacting to treatments (anti-inflammatory meds, cold laser therapy).” The heartbreaking post left the gymnastics community in shock. Along with fans, athletes like Hezly Rivera and Khoi Young and even official pages like USA Gymnastics and Inside Gymnastics Magazine filled the comments with their concern and support.

As the saying goes, all’s well that ends well. On September 9, Beacon’s official Instagram shared a heartwarming reel, announcing his return home. The caption, filled with joy, read, “♥️beacon is home!! he’s home!” Fans and athletes alike celebrated the golden retriever’s recovery, welcoming back the beloved therapy dog with open arms and hearts full of relief.

As per the update Beacon is doing better, with less fluid buildup, which is a good sign even though they’re still waiting for a full diagnosis. He’s got some appetite back and is eating more of his meals by himself, though he still needs a little help with the rest. The best news? He managed to eat his entire dinner on his own!

The reel showed Beacon getting his treatments and injections, posing with the nurses, and then—cut to him in the car, heading home! Once back, he’s happily playing with his new plushies, enjoying being home again. All of this was set to the song “Coming Home” by Skylar Grey, making it extra sweet.

As for the gymnastics community? They were absolutely thrilled to see Beacon back home! Fans and well-known figures quickly filled the comment section, sending warm wishes for a speedy recovery to the therapy dog who’s been helping others heal. The irony wasn’t lost, but the love and joy were undeniable!

Gymnastics community celebrates as Beacon returns home

It didn’t take long for the comments to flood in, overflowing with love for the little guy. One user shared,

“Praying it’s not serious and he’s going to be fine. Beacon has inspired me to sign up to a charity for my own golden retriever to be a therapy dog volunteer. She has her assessment for her character today !! Xx” Curious about the assessment? To pass, a dog has to master 10 basic obedience commands and physical postures, like sit, down, stay, and come. They also need to walk calmly beside their handler on a loose leash, stay cool around other dogs and people, and handle a brief separation from their human without a fuss.

Another user chimed in,

“⁠Prayers are answered. So glad he’s coming home.” And who can blame them? Beacon has a serious fanbase in the gymnastics community! Just five days ago, when the official Instagram shared that Beacon was in the hospital, fans and gymnasts came together to send their best wishes. Team USA’s star, Hezly Rivera, summed it up perfectly with her comment: “We love you, Beacon,” showing just how much he’s cherished.

It wasn’t just Hezly Rivera who weighed in on the post five days ago. The official USA Gymnastics Instagram and even Inside Gymnastics Magazine joined in, coming together to share their support and well wishes. Alex Biston from KCAL News also joined the celebration in the comments yesterday, writing,

“Yay Beacon!! This news makes my day!”

During the Olympic trials, Beacon roamed the competition floor, keeping a watchful eye on the athletes and coaches. As gymnasts like Suni Lee tackled balance beams and vaults, Beacon was a comforting presence, helping them cope with injuries and the stress of the multi-day event. One user captured the sentiment perfectly with their comment: “Yeah Beacon! The USA gymnastic team should cover all his expenses for all he did. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”

The comments keep pouring in, and we can only hope for a swift recovery for Beacon! Drop a note in the comments if you have your own four-legged therapy buddy, and let’s join together in wishing Beacon a speedy recovery!