One of the USA Swimming’s therapy dogs unfortunately had to retire after being diagnosed with terminal bone cancer. However, the Olympic team decided to name the senior canine an honorary member of the USA Swimming. His work with the Olympic athletes will be his last job before he retires.
USA Swimming’s therapy dog ‘Izzo’ retires due to terminal bone cancer
Izzo is over ten years old and a beautiful Labrador and Husky mix. He has been a therapy dog for eight years now and also has previous experience working with athletes. The senior pup worked with the athletes for the FINA World Junior Swimming Championships in 2017. Moreover, his handler used to be a competitive swimmer.
Unfortunately, his vet has given him only a few weeks to live, per the Washington Post. If Izzo is lucky, he might get to enjoy a few more months with his teammates. While nearly 60 therapy dogs are working with the USA Swimming, the Labrador and Husky mix stole everyone’s hearts. When the Olympic athletes learned of his unfortunate diagnosis, they named him an honorary team member for all his hard work.
Izzo has also previously worked with libraries, healthcare facilities, and schools. His handler, Megan Montague, believes there couldn’t be a better job to be his last one before retirement. The USA Swimming also shared the news of his joining the Olympic team on Instagram. The director of communications, Nikki Warner, called the senior dog a “loveable floof,” stating it was a no-brainer to make him a part of their team.
The USA Swimming therapy dog is best known for spreading joy wherever he works. He has a friendly personality and doesn’t fail to make an individual smile. Unfortunately, Izzo hasn’t been as energetic as he used to be due to bone cancer, but he loves to walk around and greet his teammates. His family is having a hard time accepting his fate, and Montague noted that she and her husband are “still processing it.”
