Support dogs assist Colorado students recovering from school shooting

Two golden Labs, Norene and Polenta, are providing emotional support to students at Evergreen High School in Colorado as they recover from a shooting that occurred in September 2025. The dogs, which visit classrooms and walk the halls, are part of a program by the nonprofit Canine Companions to provide trauma support dogs free of charge.

The school shooting involved a 16-year-old student who wounded two peers before taking his own life. Following the incident, school principal Skyler Artes noted the profound grief and uncertainty within the community. In response to the positive impact observed, Artes has decided to train as a support dog handler with Canine Companions.