Therapy dogs bring calm and joy to students following shooting at Colorado high school

Evergreen High School in Colorado welcomes students each morning with the presence of two golden Labs, Norene and Polenta. The students, who are still processing a school shooting that occurred last year, find the dogs calming and a source of joy. Norene, a calm and attention-loving dog, and Polenta, her energetic and playful companion, are part of a program run by Canine Companions, a nonprofit that provides trauma support dogs for free.

In September 2025, a 16-year-old student opened fire at the school, wounding two students before taking his own life. The principal, Skyler Artes, decided to train with Canine Companions after witnessing the positive impact the dogs had on the students and staff. The dogs have been present at the school since March and August, respectively, and were recently crowned prince and princess at a homecoming football game.

Principal Artes and the lead counselor, Amy Wells, both serve as handlers for the dogs, ensuring they can provide ongoing support to students and staff.