Polenta and Norene, two therapy dogs, became Evergreen High School’s first canine homecoming king and queen, CBS Colorado reports.
There’s a meaningful history behind the celebration. Following the September 2025 school shooting, Canine Companions volunteers and dog teams came to Evergreen to support students returning to campus. The handlers gave students space to approach on their own, offering a quiet moment with a friendly dog during an incredibly difficult time.
Among those early visitors were handler Heather Martin and facility dog Amicus. Martin recalled one distressed student sitting with Amicus as he rested his head in her lap. As she stroked his fur, Martin noticed her begin to settle—a small moment that showed why the teams had come.
A pair of dogs wearing crowns is an easy reason to smile. Knowing the community’s history makes this homecoming moment feel especially worth celebrating.
