WEATHER
Because weather can be unpredictable, the meeting location may change if the weather is rainy, cold, or extremely windy. If you are in doubt, check your email.
An email notice will be sent notifying us of the change.
Member Memories
Let me introduce you to Layla. She is a registered therapy dog that absolutely loves her job. Layla is a 6-year-old, 4-pound Yorkshire Terrier that LOVES everyone she meets. In Layla’s eyes, there are no strangers, only new friends.
Layla and her handler, Vanessa, started out visiting nursing homes then heard about a therapy dog group in Montrose called Morningstar Therapy Dogs. They went to one of the group’s summer trainings in Lions Park and became members.
“Morning Star Therapy Dogs is such a great group,” Vanessa says. “The group supports our community in so many ways. We all visit different places and support so many organizations in Montrose.”
Layla and Vanessa go to the library on Wednesdays to participate in the Reading to Rover program that helps kids feel comfortable reading aloud. They also participate in the Therapy Thursday program at the Montrose High School.
Morningstar Therapy Dog group sends four to five therapy teams to the high school each week. Vanessa says: “It’s really fun to see the staff and students’ reaction to Layla. The smiles she brings to peoples faces makes my heart melt.”
Although they love every visit they make, their favorite organization to work with is HopeWest. HopeWest is a non-profit organization dedicated to being the region’s premier provider of hospice care, bereavement support, guidance with aging, and so much more.
“Our patients who are in hospice care benefit greatly from various types of companionship with the most loved form being a visit from a therapy dog,” Amanda Twamley, the Delta County HopeWest Volunteer Coordinator said.
“A visit from a therapy dog and handler, such as Layla and Vanessa, truly enhances a HopeWest patient’s quality of life. Layla provides comfort, happiness, and companionship with her judgment-free interactions. A visit from Layla provides tactile interactions that are a fun and comforting distraction for a hospice patient. It will positively impact a hospice patient’s day and beyond. HopeWest is grateful to have the ongoing support of Layla and her handler, Vanessa.”
Layla loves her hospice patients and has provided them with loving support during the final chapter of their lives.
Upcoming Events
- May 12, 2026 – Morningstar Therapy Dogs monthly meeting. Information on the left.
- June 2026 – Fundraiser yard sale at the Cobble Creek subdivision. Information coming soon.
Hug Your Dog Day
May 9, 2026 – Chow Down
10 AM to 2 PM
Join us for a tail-wagging good time at Chow Down Pet Supplies in Montrose on Saturday, May 9th!
MorningStar Therapy Dogs will be here hosting a FREE photo op for you and your pets!
Bring your furry friend, strike a pose, and let us help capture the moment. We’ll have someone on-site to assist with photos—plus…
- Treats for your pets
- Coupons for Chow Down
- Treats provided with the help of GivePet!
It’s the perfect chance to snap a cute pic, spoil your pet, and enjoy some community fun. We can’t wait to see all those happy faces (and wagging tails)!
Reading to Rover at the Montrose Public Library
- 2026 Reading to Rover Schedule Below – On Wednesday afternoons from 3:30 to 4:30 the Montrose Library hosts opportunities for pre-school through elementary school age children (ages 4 to 11) to read aloud to one of our therapy dogs. This is helpful for kids to practice reading with a non-judgmental audience (a sweet and friendly dog) and to interact with the pups. Kids can select the story they want to read for 10 minutes or so each time. Parents can sign up their kids at the children’s desk at the library.
Reading to Rover Schedule
MTD Therapy Teams Bring Smiles to Montrose Airport Travelers
What Others Are Saying
These dogs were such a big help. It is amazing what contact with a sweet dog can do to lift you up at the lowest of times. I am so thankful for the ladies who brought their dogs, and so thankful for the dogs.
It helps out students that are having a bad day, or just need the love from a dog. Great sensory therapy!
With those dogs there, it gave me short little moments of time where I forgot about everything else. It felt like my soul was lifted immediately. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
About Morningstar Therapy Dogs
Morningstar Therapy Dogs, a non-profit organization in Montrose, Colorado, is made up of registered dog/handler teams joining together to promote therapy dog programs and visits in the Montrose community. The club was founded in 2003 in Montrose, Colorado. Founding members (including Dr. Bettye Hooley of Morningstar Veterinary Clinic) became registered teams and began visits to nursing homes in 2004. In 2005, the group started the Reading to Rover program and teams began to visit local elementary schools. Since then, the group has grown and expanded visits to other facilities and events. In 2009, we gained non-profit status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.