Therapy Dogs Bring Calm and Joy to Colorado High School After Shooting
Students at Evergreen High School find comfort in therapy dogs following a traumatic shooting. Norene and Polenta offer emotional support and joy.
POLICY WIRE — Evergreen, Colo. — After a tragic shooting left students and staff reeling, Evergreen High School has found an unexpected source of comfort: therapy dogs. Norene and Polenta, two golden retrievers, have become integral to the school’s healing process, offering emotional support and joy to a community still processing the trauma.
The dogs, part of a program by Canine Companions, were introduced to the school in March and August respectively. They are the first to be matched with a school following a shooting on campus. Students like Fisher Helbraun, a junior, say the dogs brighten their day and provide a sense of normalcy. Every single time I see one, I always have a smile on my face, he said.
Principal Skyler Artes, who is Norene’s handler, emphasized the importance of the dogs’ calming presence. They’re generally peaceful and attentive, making them good at providing ongoing support, affection, and quiet when people need it most, she said. The dogs have also been a hit at school events, even being crowned prince and princess at the homecoming game.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
