Therapy Dogs Offer Solace to Students After Colorado High School Shooting
Two Labrador retrievers provide a calming presence and moments of joy to students at Evergreen High School as they continue to heal from trauma.
Evergreen High School, southwest of Denver, has introduced two therapy dogs, Norene and Polenta, to help students cope with the lingering trauma of a school shooting. The golden Labradors, part of a program by the nonprofit Canine Companions, offer a calming presence, walk the halls, and visit classrooms to provide moments of joy and stress relief.
The shooting occurred in September 2025, when a 16-year-old student injured two peers before taking his own life. Following the incident, Principal Skyler Artes described the atmosphere as one of devastation, sorrow, grief, and uncertainty. Volunteers from Canine Companions provided initial support, prompting Artes to train as a handler and advocate for a permanent animal presence at the school.
Norene, a calm dog, and Polenta, described as spunky, joined the school staff in March and August, respectively. Their training from puppyhood includes learning commands and how to respond to individuals experiencing difficult moments, as well as maintaining a stable presence in potentially triggering environments.
Students have reported positive impacts from the dogs' presence. Junior Fisher Helbraun stated that greeting the dogs each morning brings a smile to his face. Senior Maddie Cornwell finds that the dogs' innocent joy brightens her day, and senior Quinn McEvers makes a point to interact with them daily, finding it improves her mood, especially during stressful times like exams or bad weather.
Artes noted that despite the difficult circumstances, the school saw positive academic outcomes. "We saw our AP test scores go up," she said. "We also had a 100% graduation rate in a year that was extraordinarily difficult."
Canine Companions matches dogs with schools free of charge. These support dogs are expected to remain at the school for eight to 10 years before retiring. Artes plans to acquire more support dogs in the future, emphasizing the value of their unconditional love and steady presence.