Two comfort dogs from North Texas journeyed west this week to console survivors and first responders from the mass shooting in El Paso.
Elijah and Triton, golden retrievers from Wichita Falls and Plano, will make an appearance at a vigil Sunday in the Walmart where 22 people were killed and about two dozen were wounded, allegedly by a gunman with ties to Collin County.
Seven dogs visiting El Paso are part of the K-9 ministry of the Lutheran Church Charities, an Illinois-based nonprofit.
Elijah's had stints bringing solace to Sutherland Springs mourners and Hurricane Harvey survivors. He also made a stop in Dallas after a gunman killed five police officers downtown on July 7, 2016.
He and Triton, who's a year younger and less experienced, are part of the second group of comfort dogs the organization has deployed to El Paso after the tragedy Aug. 3.
The first group spent time with survivors and their families at Del Sol Medical Center, worked with 911 dispatchers, and even had a chance to visit the mayor's office, said Rich Martin, the director of the K-9 ministry.
"The community itself is very close-knit," he said. "The reception was very warm and welcoming. It was a very special time, very humbling for us."
As authorities revealed details about the attack throughout the week, Martin said he saw the need to send another team to help the community heal.
Elijah, Triton and the rest of the team will be there for another week, Martin said.
