“So Deserving”: Gretchen Walsh And Swimming Stars Welcome Retired Therapy Dog As Honorary For Team USA

Say hello to Team USA’s newest pawdorable edition! Izzo is a 10-and-a-half-year-old lab-husky mix. He has been spreading sunshine for under a decade now, helping several individuals during this time. From 2017, Izzo and his handler, Megan Thie, have been dutiful volunteers with Paws & Think. “Izzo was a wild child as a puppy and we went through a lot of obedience courses,” she explains. But Izzo has always been drawn to kids. That is how his journey began. 

Izzo initially started frequenting classrooms to help get children into reading. He eventually found his way to Team USA’s swimming team. The Olympic Trials will be his last job, and Izzo is taking it very seriously. To honor his time and service, he is now an honorary Team USA member! Let’s take a look at how Izzo has helped spread pawsitivity through his tenure! 

Izzo’s induction in Team USA

Many elite athletes have to constantly thrive in high-pressure environments. But it can all be a little too much. During the Olympic Trials, several swimmers voiced the need for therapy dogs to help with emotional support. It will allow them a moment to step away from the chaos and have some much-needed down time. 

In the need of the hour, Izzo stepped up for the job. This wasn’t his first rodeo. He has worked at several swimming championships before. During the FINA World Junior Swimming Championship, when she tried leaving with him, he wouldn’t budge. He has also frequented libraries, schools and more. He has been diagnosed with terminal bone cancer. But that didn’t stop him from taking on one last job: The Olympic Trials. 

USA Swimming gave Izzo a proper send off on their Instagram. They captioned the post, “Everyone, meet Izzo. He is a 10.5-years-young Lab/Husky mix, and has been a licensed therapy dog for eight years, currently with @pawsandthinkinc. #SwimTrials24 will be Izzo’s last event before retiring from therapy services, so we are naming him an honorary member of @TeamUSA ❤️Thank you for your service, Izzo. 13/10” Despite the trials being his last, he has already won several hearts. 

Due to the cancer, Izzo has been low on energy. But he hasn’t strayed away from his responsibility. He makes it a point to greet every swimmer and spread a smile on their face. Izzo is 100% the greatest boy there is. 

Swimming stars gleefully welcome their new family member

Izzo’s retirement and honorary title had fans and athletes gushing over him. Everyone wanted him to know about the impact his service had on them. Olympic champion Amy Van Dyken expressed, “Izzo..welcome the the USA Olympian family. We are honored to have you!! 🇺🇸” Several fans shared this sentiment and recognized Izzo’s influence and dedication to the team. 

Gretchen Walsh was in awe, stating “He is so deserving🥹🥹” Even a world-record holder can’t ignore those puppy dog eyes. Olympic bronze medalist Caroline Burckle joined in, “I love this so much” Everyone can’t help but fall in love with the furry lap-husky mix. 

Olympic rower Jess Theonnes exclaimed, “No honorary about it! He is a Team USA member!” The ten-and-a-half-year-old has truly earned this title, and fans seemed to agree. Para-swimmer Taylor Winnett chimed in, “Words cannot describe how much I love this🥹” Her words shed a light upon how important Izzo has been to the team.

Izzo’s role at the trials highlights how important emotional support is, especially in high-stress environments like this. As we approach the end of the trials, this heartwarming tribute to Izzo will further inspire more people to support athletes’ mental and emotional well-being. He has spent a long time spreading warmth and comfort to everyone he has worked with. But now, it’s time for this furry friend to get some much-needed rest himself. We wish him a happy retirement!