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.
Upcoming Events
- August 11, 2026 – Morningstar Therapy Dogs monthly meeting. Information on the left.
Saturday, August 8, Montrose Regional Health Fair – 6:30-11:00 Morningstar Therapy Dogs will host an informational booth about therapy dogs and how they can affect physical and mental health.
Monday, October 26 – Therapy dogs will attend the “Golden Circle Senior Education” program at the Senior Center from 1:00-2:00 at the Pavilion.
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 Dogs Loving Our Brave Firefighters and Those Who Support Them
Morningstar Therapy Dogs’ members are committed to bringing smiles to others by sharing their therapy dogs with them. So, when David Vitwar, safety officer for the Gold Fire near Ouray asked if we could send therapy dog teams to visit firefighters and staff at their early morning daily briefing held at the Gold Fire Command Center in Ridgway, our volunteers jumped at the opportunity. We had teams there early each morning from July 3 through July 10. When the Command Center moved to Cimarron just off of Highway 50, Vitmar asked us to continue those visits every day from July 14 through July 20. Again, our members were happy to share their dogs with the brave firefighters and staff working so hard to keep our community safe.
This is the second time Morningstar has helped bring smiles to these hardworking people. In July of 2025, our teams visited firefighters and staff working the South Rim fire burning in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
Above are pictures of our therapy dogs sharing their love with those who have left their homes to protect our communities.
In Memory of Those We've Lost
Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost their lives fighting for us and to the families and friends who love them.
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.