Member Zone
The monthly Morningstar Therapy Dogs meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month and start at 5:45 PM. Anyone is welcome to attend and leashed dogs are welcome. See Home Page for specifics on the meeting and the location where we will meet.
Member Opportunities
Oak Grove Elementary School: Therapy visits 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM. Individual or partner reading to the pups for 30 minutes at a time. We will have 5 spots available for visiting. Four people have expressed interest. We need 1 more team.
Montrose High School: Therapy Tuesdays – The dates of Therapy Tuesday visits depend on the high school schedule, but they are usually every other week. A sign up sheet is sent to members 2 weeks ahead of the visit date.
Centennial Middle School: 2 members are now visiting.
Current Members
Full-Time Members
Angie Wilson and Oti
My name is Oti, and I’m a certified therapy doggy. My favorite people are children – all of them – and children love me too! Visiting children makes me happy. Everyone says I’m cute, and I agree.
I make people smile, so I learned to be a therapy doggy. I have the ability to make people feel better just by being with me and touching my fur.
I’m only 9 pounds, so I can fit nearly anywhere, especially on laps. I am a rescue doggy and I love my work as a therapy doggy.
Ann Furgurson, Theo and Zoey
Ann has had therapy dogs since 2005 when she trained her first therapy dog, Nikki. She saw the powerful effect a dog could have on people while working with children.
Since she is a teacher, she has used her dogs to motivate children to read, or calm children down, and even to help second language learners learn English. Sometimes their first words are “dog”. For ten years at Oak Grove Elementary, Ann had a reading program with her dogs and saw great gains in her students’ reading. Now her Westies come to Centennial Middle School. They also visit retirement and nursing homes and the Montrose Public Library. They like to go on walks and watch dog movies.
Berni Cassidy and Lacey
My name is Lacey. I am a labradoodle. I was born on May 27, 2012. My mom Berni adopted me that summer. We love going places together, especially for walks at the park! I think of everyone as my friend, especially if they scratch my ears!
Frank, a bernedoodle, is my best dog friend, and I love my “stuffies,” which are a monkey, pig, and a lamb. I carry them around and sleep on them.
I love to sleep in my favorite chair by the window and pretend I’m being a watch dog! I also like to snuggle with mom and watch TV. Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of visiting at schools, library and nursing homes.
What fun!
Cyndi Gunzer, Clark and Nikki
Hi, my name is Clark, and I am a border collie. I was born on February 22, 2015. I used to run in sheepdog competitions, and I was pretty good at it! I also had a job moving cows at home. I am retired now, and my favorite thing is to be petted!
AND
Hi, my name is Nikki. I am a Cairn terrier. I was born on July 23, 2021.
My mom does agility with me where I run over obstacles and through tubes. My favorite things to do are chasing a ball and going for walks.
I really like meeting new people too!
Elizabeth Waugh and Margot
My name is Margot and I LOVE my job as a therapy dog. I am a 5-year old mix of several breeds and all of them like to work.
Labradors are friendly and loyal, and we sure enjoy your attention.
Hound dogs are energetic and love to smell. You might see me sniff you?
Border Collies can learn lots of tricks, and I am no exception. I know over 30 tricks.
Isaiah Knott and Marley
Marley was born September 30, 2022 and was the “runt of the litter,” meaning the shyest, smallest, and weakest of the puppies. Due to Marley’s shyness, no one wanted him. He was offered to me, and he came to Montrose from Los Angeles, CA.
Marley has worked extremely hard to overcome his difficulties. And, as you can attest, he is one of the bravest, happiest, and most lovable dogs you will ever meet and pet. Marley’s favorite toy is a BIG rubber ring that squeaks when he tosses it in the air. He loves to go to the park and chase a tennis ball as far as I can throw it. He returns at the command “Come Marley, fetch the ball.”
Marley also loves his girlfriend, a large Golden Retriever who is three times his size. They play, run, and roll in the grass. Marley then comes home to the EXCEPTIONALLY soft dog bed where he snuggles down and sleeps for a couple of hours.
Even though Marley was weak as a new puppy he is now a strong 30-pound dog who protects our home at night by barking very loudly if someone approaches our house. Marley says, “THANK YOU. You are now one of my best friends.”
Jamie Mawhorter and Nala
My name is Nala, from the Lion King. I was born on February 13, 2023. I am a great Bernese dog, which is one-half Great Pyrenees and one-half Bernese mountain dog.
I love the outdoors: hiking, rivers, and lakes. I especially love the snow because I have a thick coat, which gives me a lot of insulation. I’ve been learning to pull a sled, but I need to work on not sniffing and go off track.
I am a certified therapy dog and the official ambassador at the Montrose Airport, where you will find me greeting and saying goodbye to passengers. I love all the kids I meet, and when I feel comfortable with someone, I insist on belly rubs!
Joyce Slusarski and Lexi
My name is Lexi and I am a 10-year-old standard poodle. Some call my breed a party poodle because of my fun coloring. I also like to party!
I was adopted by my family in December 2020. My family says I act like a princess . . . okay, maybe I am one, because I like to be the center of attention. I love to go on long walks and to chase tennis balls.
I really like being a therapy dog, because I can’t get enough pets and cuddles. It makes us all feel better.
Karen Mitchell and Willis
Hello, my name is Willis, and I’m a standard poodle. I was born in October 2020, in South Carolina, but I’m a Colorado Boy now.
Since I am a good boy and enjoy being around people, my Poodle Mama knew I’d be a wonderful therapy dog. Everywhere we go, people want to say hello and touch the poof on the top of my head. That makes them smile and sometimes giggle. I think that’s funny.
One thing I like to do is sit on my Poodle Mama’s lap and watch for neighbors passing, especially when she’s in our porch rocker.
Thanks for inviting me to visit you. I look forward to seeing you again.
Kay Schritter and Molly
Hi, my name is Molly. I’m a golden retriever. I was born on January 3, 2021. I had nine brothers and sisters. My owner chose me the first time we met. I was so excited to meet her I climbed on top of all my littermates to get to her.
My favorite toy is a neon yellow ball. I have lots of other toys and balls, but the yellow one is my favorite. I love to play fetch, but I don’t always want to let go of the ball when I bring it back.
I love to sit with my owner’s elderly father-in-law, letting him pet and love on me, or I just lean against him when I think he’s feeling sad. That’s what made my owner think I would make a good therapy dog. So, now we get to visit lots of people I like all the attention and love to be petted all the time!
Kerry Rawls and Ellie
Ellie was born on November 19, 2021 in Montrose, Colorado. She is a miniature Bernedoodle. Her mom is a Bernese mountain dog and her dad is a miniature poodle.
Ellie loves to take walks and go to the park to play with her frisbee. In the winter she loves to play in the snow. But her most favorite thing is having a belly rub! Sometimes we call her “Ellie Belly.”
Ellie loves being a therapy dog because she loves all people, especially kids!
Leslie Rush and Bailey
My name is Bailey, and I am a certified therapy dog. I was born on October 7, 2015, and I am a standard poodle. Although I have a short tail, I love to wag it when people are petting me. Some people call it my “digit.” I also love playing with my ball and having kids read to me…oh! and swimming! I love to swim in lakes, pools, really anywhere.
When I’m not swimming or playing with my ball, I visit people in different places, like the library or the hospital. I love to make people smile and laugh when they pet me, and I hope I made you smile today!
Linda Wilson and Harry
Hi! My name is Harry, but my mom and dad call me Beanie sometimes. Can you guess why? I LOVE green beans! And lettuce and carrots and strawberries, but beans are my favorite!
I am a Cairn Terrier, just like Toto in The Wizard of Oz! I’m sure I could be a movie star too. I was a rescue pup. But my foster family knew I was special, so I stayed with them forever. I am a senior boy, so I don’t move too fast anymore.
My best job is to lie down next to you and snuggle while you read to me. Want to read a book to me today? Come sit on my blanket, and we’ll have an adventure together!
Marcia Heckard, River and Remy
River was born on March 13, 2021. He is a border collie, but is a little different from most border collies. They have long hair, but River has a short, smooth coat. He also has tan markings.
River loves agility. He runs a course with tunnels, jumps, teeter totters, weaves, and other fun obstacles. He is very fast! He also loves scent work. He finds certain odors that are hidden inside or outside or also odors on cars!
River is now also a therapy dog. He loves kids and all people!!
AND
Remy is a Bichon Frise born September 29, 2023. He is a super sweet, happy, and playful little dog. He loves to play with his brother, River. He frequently gets the zoomies racing around the backyard with him.
Bichon Frise dogs are known to be little, white, fluffy companions to European nobles in the 13th century. They became entertainers, doing tricks for kings and queens.
Remy is now a therapy dog and is excited to meet kids and adults. He is also working on becoming an agility dog. Currently, the teeter toter scares him, but he loves all the jumping and running around.
Remy is so happy to make new friends.
Mary Hodson and Revie
Revie is a Golden Retriever born June 7, 2020 in Grand Junction. She came home to live with Mary at 7 1/2 weeks of age. Revie was certified as a therapy dog in August 2022, but her talent for bringing joy to the elderly began when she was just 10 months old. That’s when Revie began to accompany Mary on trips to Arizona to visit a relative who was living in a residential care home and suffering from vascular dementia. Revie brought so much joy and so many smiles that the idea was sparked for Revie to become a certified therapy dog.
Revie and Mary currently visit a long term care facility in the Montrose area.
Melaney Sreenan and Cudo
Hello, my name is Cudo. My mom says in Croatia if you pronounce it correctly, it means miracle! Yes, that’s what I am — a little tiny toy 4-pound phantom poodle.
Phantom stands for a rare gene that causes me to be three colors; brown, black, and white. My mom says that makes me special!
I love to visit people of all kinds and make them feel special. You know why? Because everyone is so special!
Besides being a therapy dog, I also am in high levels of obedience competition, rally competition, and I win lots of agility competitions! I also love to spin and dance and chase balls.
I can be very, very shy, but don’t let that fool you!
I am so happy I got to meet you! I hope I made you giggle and smile.
Nikki Deutsch and Diesel
My name is Diesel, and I am a Great Dane. I was born on April 6, 2018. My favorite toys are a stuffed squeaky ducky and a squeaky Chuckit! ball. My best friend is Dobby. What you see with me is what you get—I am a sweet, calm, and silly boy who loves to go anywhere with my mom.
I love to go on all kinds of adventures and have been to many different states, including Montana, Oregon, Nevada, and California. I even have my own Instagram—@therockymountaindane,where you can see pictures and videos of my many adventures!
One of my favorite holidays is the 4th of July. I love to watch the fireworks and, of course, eat hotdogs and burgers.
When I am not doing therapy visits, running errands with my mom, or picking up my human sister from school, I love to lay on my bed and nap in the sunshine.
Sharon Penasa and Poppy
My name is Poppy Penasa, but most people call me Poppy! I am a rescue dog from a large
family. My mom’s name is Daisy and my dad’s name is Biko. I am a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix.
I have been with the Penasa family since I was 9 weeks old. I spent the first year being trained
by my older brother, Scooby. After he retired from therapy work, it was my turn to shine.
I love being a part of the community and visiting with people. Mom and dad take me with them on camping adventures, vacations, and for long rides in the car.
I hope to spend my time making people feel loved and comforted.
Sue Danner and Mackenzie
Mackenzie is a golden retriever, born in August 2014 in Bozeman, Montana. She lives in Montrose with Sue Danner. She is the third Danner therapy dog. Tessa, Kenzie’s “aunt” and the late Adobe, had worked with Sue at the Center for Mental Health for 14 years. When Sue and Tessa retired, Sue wanted to continue the therapy dog work by getting Kenzie certified.
They visit people in nursing homes, where Kenzie has a number of special friends. Kenzie interacts with children at the CASA office (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) at which Sue is a volunteer, and Kenzie especially enjoys hearing stories children read to her at the library in the Reading to Rover Program. Sue and Kenzie have also participated in “Therapy Thursdays” at the Montrose High School. In her recreation time she likes to play with several other doggie friends, and she will fetch a ball until she is ready to drop.
Vanessa Gurule and Layla
Layla is a Yorkie, born on November 22, 2016. She and Vanessa were certified as a therapy team in 2018. When Vanessa and Layla go on therapy visits, they visit Hope West Hospice patients, Montrose High School, Montage Creek Assisted Living, and the hospital. During their free time, they enjoy going on walks and playing soccer.
Vanessa says, “Layla is just the sweetest girl! She loves everyone she meets. I feel like therapy work is what she was born to do. She gets sooooo excited when I tell her we are going on a visit. She knows she’s about to get some lovin’! I love seeing the faces of people who meet Layla. Their eyes just light up. It makes my heart so happy.
I have always been the type of person to help out wherever I am needed. Therapy work is right up my alley. I love kids and the elderly, so this works fills my heart with joy!”
Associate Members
Cathy Crim
I started therapy dog “work” with our German shepherd dog, Mica, in 2003. Under the registration (at that time) with Therapy Dogs Incorporated (now Alliance of Therapy Dogs), we visited care facilities. But Mica found that she liked kids best. I joined Morningstar Therapy Dogs (MTD) in 2005, and we concentrated on visits to Cottonwood School until Mica’s retirement many years later. In 2009, I became a volunteer Tester/Observer for Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and for nearly 10 years enjoyed meeting and evaluating many wonderful handler/dog teams – some of whom are still members of MTD. In 2014, our mixed breed rescue Alice stepped up as my therapy dog companion for several years. She enjoyed both care facilities and the world of kids until her retirement. Since then, we have dogs who are more appropriate to be therapy dogs for other dogs rather than for people. But I have many wonderful memories of the teams I tested, and of my own dear and precious girls Mica and Alice, and their adventures in being therapy dogs.
Joy Styer
Joy, a retired elementary school teacher, first became interested in therapy dog work when therapy dogs visited her parents in assisted living. When she saw the joy the dogs brought to her Mom and Dad, she wanted to get involved with this volunteer program. Joy’s beloved therapy dog, Topper, passed away in August 2024. Joy continues to bring smiles to peoples faces through her active participation in Morningstar Therapy Dogs.
Nikki Zwaschka
Paula Brown
Paula Brown’s first therapy dog was a brindle Boston terrier named Maggie. Maggie became a
member of Morningstar Therapy Dogs when she was a year old, joining soon after the club
was formed. She and Paula were active in helping with classes, demonstrations, and events
with the group. Maggie enjoyed the Reading to Rover program at local schools. She had
infinite patience with children and was known to stop traffic with her beautiful coloring and
proud prance. As Maggie began to slow down and retired from therapy work, her doggie
brother Gus stepped up in 2011. Gus retired after several years of faithful, friendly service,
and crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2025. Though Paula doesn’t have an active therapy dog at
this time, she remains a supporting member of Morningstar Therapy Dogs, serving as
secretary.
Honorary Members
Karen Wallis
Karen Wallis, a long-time member of Morningstar, has moved to Oklahoma. She still stays in touch. Photo is with her therapy dog, Jet, who has passed onto the Rainbow Bridge.
Terri Huntley
In Loving Memory
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing. They each miss someone very special to them who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks in the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass. His legs are carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head; and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together . . .
Randy White’s Beau
September 14, 2014 – August 14, 2025
Sharon Penasa’s Scooby
October 2012- May 22, 2025
Paula Brown’s Gus
2011- June 2025
Joy Styer’s Topper
2012- August 15, 2024
Marcia Heckard’s Macee
October 3, 2012 – April 27/2024
Sue Schmidt’s Bella
2008-Occtober 27, 2025