Al Roker misses “Today” show as dog Pepper undergoes emergency surgery — shares update

Al Roker has been a staple of NBC’s Today for decades, but viewers tuning in to today’s show may have noticed that the iconic weather anchor was missing.

The reason: he was tending to his beloved dog, Pepper, who underwent emergency surgery over the weekend.

Since the scare, Roker and his wife both shared updates about the dog’s health.

On Sunday, Roker, 69, announced on social media that his 12-year-old dog Pepper underwent emergency surgery over the weekend, but was now “on the mend.”

“She’s getting great care and is coming home tomorrow,” Roker wrote, sharing a photo of the adorable dog. “Woof. You can sleep on our bed as much as you want.”

Roker’s wife, journalist Deborah Roberts, also shared a post about Pepper.

“Gratitude. My heart is bursting with it today,” Roberts wrote. “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.”

Roker was absent from the May 6 episode of Today due to Pepper’s surgery; it’s not clear when exactly he will be back but presumably soon as the dog returns home. Weather correspondent Dylan Dreyer filled in for him.

Roker and Roberts adopted Pepper from a shelter in Pennsylvania in 2012, according to Us Magazine.

Pepper has been a staple of Roker’s social media and even made an appearance on Today in March 2020, as Roker reported in from home during the pandemic.

“Pepper says she wants wants to lick your face, but will do it socially distant,” Roker told Hoda Kotbe with the dog in his lap.

Kotbe replied, “Watching you pet that dog makes me feel better.”

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