(KCNC) – A Colorado high school crowned two therapy dogs, Polenta and Norene, as its first-ever canine homecoming king and queen.
Evergreen High School created a “puppy homecoming court” for the dogs, who ran uncontested and won.
Dogs support students and staff
Amy Wells, lead counselor at Evergreen High School, said the dogs’ job is simple.
“Their duty is to lie there and just be pet and hang out,” Wells said.
The dogs arrive at school early and stay until after the last bell. Wells said she stands at the front of the building every morning with the principal and lets students greet the dogs.
“I stand in the front of the building every single morning with my principal, and we let the kids come up and pet them or just talk to them,” Wells said.
Jackson Thomas, an Evergreen High School senior, said seeing the dogs affects his mood.
“I light up whenever I see them,” Thomas said.
Support since the shooting
Evergreen was the site of a school shooting one year ago.
“It just felt very vulnerable, you know,” Thomas said.
Wells said research shows cortisol levels can calm with a dog present.
“Research says that cortisol levels will calm down a little bit with a dog,” Wells said.
The dogs can be found in the counselor’s office, walking the hallways or offering support during tests.
Quinn McEvers, an Evergreen High School senior, said students can interact with the dogs without having to talk about what they’re going through.
“You don’t need to talk about what’s going on in your life or how something is affecting you. You can just get the love from the dogs, and it really helps,” McEvers said.
Crowned under the Friday night lights
Thomas said the dogs have made an impact on the school.
“They brought so much joy to this school,” Thomas said.
Polenta and Norene were announced as homecoming king and queen during the homecoming football game.
McEvers said the dogs are more than pets to the school community.
“They make a difference in our community, and I think that it’s really great that they’re getting honored for that because they are a lot bigger than just dogs. They’re really a part of our community,” McEvers said.
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