Olympic Pets

As we all know the opening ceremony for the Olympics is tonight. So while our athletes are away competing for America I thought I would pay tribute to their beloved pets. Many turn to their animals in their time of need for support, comfort, or just to help them relax. Maybe they even learned about team work from their 4 legged friends!

Laura Wilkinson
Diving

Laura Wilkinson is the proud owner of 2 Shih Tzu's, 2 cats, and a gold medal for the 10 meter platform in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. The animals are a blessing around the house, but sometimes the dogs can be a bit disruptive. "Sometimes when I do exercises in the house they try to participate. When I do abs they try to climb on me or lick my face. It's funny but not very productive."

Jonathan Horton ­

Gymnastic Texas native Jonathan Horton's favorite Olympic event may be the high bar, but his favorite pal is his Pomeranian, Harley. " Harley is a "medical miracle," having been diagnosed with a heart murmur and given four months to live. According to Horton, now three-year-old Harley "is off the walls and the craziest most fun loving dog in the world."

Misty May-Treanor ­
Beach Volleyball

When Gold medalist in Beach Volleyball at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, Misty May-Treanor is not spending time on the beaches she spends it with her two Boxers, Boogie and Gruden. Although May-Treanor sometimes goes jogging with the two Boxers, they mostly enjoy "laying around with their mom, playing with little kids."

Justin Spring ­
Gymnastics

Virginia born gymnast Justin Spring adopted his dog Oscar with his girlfriend from the Humane Society. Spring admits that the Terrier and Black Lab mix is not much of a gymnast. "He helps me relax after training. But he can't really help much during training."

Alicia Sacramone

Gymnastics
Seven-time World Championship medalist Alicia Sacramone received her Yorkie, Maddie, eight years ago as a surprise gift from her parents and since then the pair have been inseparable. When the Massachusetts native is practicing her gymnastic routines with the women's team, Maddie enjoys playing outside in the yard. But when the two are together at night, Maddie sleeps with Sacramone to keep her warm.