Staff and patients at Huntington Health tuned into the Olympics news were overjoyed to recognize a familiar, fluffy face. Beacon, a 4-year-old golden retriever and a comforting presence in the hospital’s hallways, has recently captured national attention for providing pet-assisted-therapy to members of the USA Gymnastics team. “I was so darn proud,” said Stacy Miller, director of volunteer services at Huntington Hospital.
“I was so proud.” With the support of his owner, Tracey Callahan Molnar, a Pasadena resident and a 40-year veteran of USA Rhythmic Gymnastics, Beacon has been soothing athletes (and coaches) at multiple competitions and training camps since May 2023. His sunny disposition, complete with a wagging tail and a belly always ready for rubs, provides them with much needed relief after an intense routine.
But long before becoming the face of pet therapy for USA Gymnastics, Beacon was a beloved presence at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena. Every other Tuesday for almost two years, he has strolled the hallways with his owner, Callahan Molnar, bringing joy and lowering stress for those in the outpatient rehab, the emergency department, the pediatric department and wherever he’s needed, Miller said. “He just loves to get all the attention, and gives it back,” she said.
But all of this wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of his owner, Callahan Molnar. “I love my dog, I love volunteering, I love volunteering with pet therapy, and .