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

Evergreen High School in Colorado has enlisted two Labrador retrievers, Norene and Polenta, as part of a new initiative aimed at helping students cope with the trauma and heightened anxiety that followed a shooting at the school earlier this month. The dogs, both certified therapy animals, have been stationed in the school’s counseling centre and common areas, offering a calm presence that staff hope will provide a tangible source of comfort for pupils still grappling with the aftermath of the violent incident.The shooting, which took place on 12 May, resulted in three injuries and left the campus on edge for weeks. While no fatalities were reported, the event has cast a long shadow over the school community, prompting administrators to seek additional measures beyond standard counselling services..

“We recognized early on that the emotional fallout was not going to be resolved by talk therapy alone,” said principal Laura Whitaker. “Our students needed something more immediate, something that could help lower stress in the moment, and the presence of therapy dogs is a proven method for achieving that.”Norene, a seven‑year‑old female Labrador, and Polenta, a five‑year‑old male, were both trained through the Colorado Canine Assistance Program and have previously worked in hospitals and other educational settings. Their certification includes the ability to remain calm in noisy environments, respond to tactile contact, and provide non‑verbal emotional support..

“These dogs are trained to detect signs of distress and to offer a soothing touch without being intrusive,” explained Dr. Marcus Bell, a veterinary behaviourist who supervised the dogs’ placement at the school. “Their very presence can trigger the release of oxytocin in both the human and the animal, which helps reduce cortisol levels and promotes a sense of safety.”The program, funded by a combination of district resources and a grant from the state’s Trauma-Informed Education Initiative, began on 1 June..

Each day, the dogs are available for up to four hours, rotating between the school’s counselling suite, the library and the cafeteria during lunch breaks. Teachers and support staff have been briefed on how to facilitate safe interactions, including guidelines on hygiene, consent and the duration of each session. “We want to make sure the dogs are not overwhelmed and that students understand that they can approach the dogs if they feel comfortable, but they are not obliged to,” Whitaker said.Students who have interacted with Norene and Polenta report a noticeable reduction in nervousness and an improvement in mood..

“I was feeling really jittery after the shooting, and just petting Polenta for a few minutes helped me feel more grounded,” said junior Maya Patel, who asked that her surname not be published. “It’s not a fix for everything, but it gives you a moment to breathe and forget the noise for a little while.” Another student, sophomore Jacob Morales, described the experience as “a reminder that there are still good things in the world, even after something terrible happens.” Such anecdotal evidence aligns with a growing body of research that suggests animal‑assisted interventions can be particularly effective for adolescents dealing with trauma.Critics, however, caution that therapy dogs should complement rather than replace professional mental‑health services. Susan Keller, a child psychologist specializing in trauma, warned that “while the immediate calming effect of a therapy dog is valuable, it must be part of a broader, evidence‑based treatment plan that includes counselling, peer support and, where necessary, psychiatric care.” She added that schools should monitor for any allergies or phobias among students, ensuring that the programme does not inadvertently create new stressors..

The Evergreen High administration acknowledges these concerns and has set up a feedback system where parents, teachers and students can report any issues related to the dogs’ presence.The introduction of therapy dogs comes at a time when many schools across the United States are reevaluating safety protocols and mental‑health resources in the wake of a spate of school shootings. According to data from the Center for Homeland Security and Emergency Management, incidents of gunfire in K‑12 settings have risen by 35 percent over the past five years. In response, a number of districts have explored non‑traditional support mechanisms, including mindfulness programmes, peer‑mediated de‑escalation teams and, increasingly, animal‑assisted therapy..

Colorado, which has seen three major school shootings in the last decade, is among the states investing in these alternative approaches.Early metrics from Evergreen High suggest the therapy dog programme is already having a positive impact. A preliminary survey conducted by the school’s counselling department indicated that 68 percent of students who spent time with Norene or Polenta reported feeling less anxious afterward, compared with 41 percent who did not engage with the dogs. Attendance rates have also shown a modest uptick, with a 3.2 percent increase in morning attendance observed in the two weeks since the dogs’ arrival..

While these figures are not conclusive, they provide an encouraging sign that the presence of the dogs may be contributing to a more stable school environment.Looking ahead, Evergreen High plans to evaluate the programme’s effectiveness over a full academic year, with periodic assessments involving student questionnaires, staff observations and data on disciplinary incidents. The school hopes that the findings will inform future decisions about the role of animal‑assisted interventions in educational settings. “Our ultimate goal is to create a space where students feel safe, supported and able to learn,” Whitaker affirmed..

“If Norene and Polenta help us move closer to that, then we will continue to explore how best to integrate them into our ongoing healing process.”.