Upcoming Events
- January 13, 2026 – Morningstar Therapy Dogs monthly meeting. More information coming soon.
Reading to Rover at the Montrose Public Library
- January 14, 2026 – Come to the Montrose Public Library from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM for our Reading to Rover winter/spring Open House. Join in fun activities and meet our therapy dog teams. No need to preregister for this kick-off event.
- January 2026 Reading to Rover Schedule – 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
January 14, 2026 – OPEN HOUSE
January 21, 2026 – Angie and Oti
January 28, 2026 – Joyce and Lexi
Member Memories
Berni's Therapy Dog Lacey
My name is Lacey. I’m a Labradoodle. I wanted to share the story of my visits to Valley Manor Care Center.
Right when we park out front, I’m excited. This is the place where I get so much attention as I get lots of ear scratching and pats!
By the front door, Deserae is sitting in her chair with the big wheels. She loves the outdoors and sunshine. She greets me with lots of pats. “Hi, Lacey!”
Inside the lobby sits Lynn with a big grin. She exclaims, “Oh, it’s LACEY!” She tells us about her favorite cat. My owner, Berni, signs in at the front desk, and then we’re off to the community room at the end of the hall. There are 6 to 8 residents in their chairs with the big wheels sitting around a table. They are hitting a big puffy ball that seems to float around. As I walk around the table, each one scratches my head, my ears, and my back. So much attention!
My next visit is James. He has a big grin. He’s 102! He thanks us so much for coming.
Some other stops:
We visit Richard to see his latest painting where I get more ear and back scratches. Helen is always wearing gloves and eating chips. Maybe a crumb will drop! Jerry has bumps all over his hands and body, but he gives the best back scratches. Cassie is an artist and has her own room at the end of the hall. She has all her dioramas on display made from pieces of nature she has collected. She’s excited to see us.
We make a few more stops and then it’s time to leave. Bye until next Tuesday!
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.