Al Roker Skips ‘Today’ as His Dog Recovers from Emergency Surgery

Al Roker’s dog is recovering after undergoing an emergency procedure over the weekend.

The longtime Today show weatherman and 3rd Hour of Today co-host was absent from both of the NBC morning show’s broadcasts on Monday, May 6, his colleague Dylan Dreyer stepping in for him in the former.

A day prior, on Sunday, May 5, Roker, 69, shared to Instagram a gallery of pictures of him and wife Deborah Roberts, snapped as they cradled their dog Pepper in the animal hospital.

“Our little girl Pepper had emergency surgery but is on the mend,” Roker wrote in the post’s caption. “She’s getting great care and is coming home tomorrow. Woof.”

“You can sleep on our bed as much as you want,” he said.

Roberts, 63, also shared a post about Pepper.

“Gratitude. My heart is bursting with it today,” she wrote on Sunday, alongside more pictures of her and Roker with their four-legged friend. “Our littlest girl, Pepper, gave us quite a scare. She has survived an emergency surgery. But thankfully, our strong girl is recovering.”

“We are grateful for any and all prayers for our sweet doggie, who has stolen our hearts for 12 years now,” she added, writing the words “grateful,” “heart,” “doggie” and “love” in hashtag.

Roker and Roberts are both due to give the commencement address at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee on Monday.

“Deborah and I are so honored to be giving the commencement address today at the 150th commencement at Fisk University,” Roker wrote, captioning an Instagram picture of him and his wife with Fisk University President Agenia Clark.

He went on to note that he and Roberts got “to hang with the Clark family,” and have “a fabulous dinner” on Sunday, May 5 at Anthony Scotto Jr. and Theresa Scotto’s Nashville restaurant Luogo.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

“Theresa and I had the honor and privilege of watching these two incredible humans receive their Doctrines from Fisk University and President Agenia Clark at Luogo this evening,” Anthony wrote on INstagram. “We’ve shared so many happy memories and have loved their family for a long time. Al and Deb you are so supportive, kind, loving and so deserving of this title. We love you both very much! ⭐️❤️.”