Local therapy dogs comfort those affected by Las Vegas shooting

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (WTXF) - Local help is on the way following the mass shooting in Las Vegas. And that help is arriving on four legs.

Six crisis dogs and their trainers flew out Saturday night to offer some comfort to the first responders and others who may find it difficult to open up after the tragedy.

They're members of the Tri-State K-9 response team. Some in the group were also in Florida following the Pulse Nightclub shooting.

"Sometimes people won't talk or are reluctant to start that process, where the dog breaks the ice and allows them to do that," said John Hunt of the Tri-State K-9 Response Team.

"Dogs really open up a lot of doors," said volunteer Becky Langer. "A lot of people see them and they're 'Oh my gosh, look at your dog.' They'll pet them. It brings a lot of comfort to people, and it just really brings their stress level down."

The trip costs about $7,000 and is funded through local donations.