By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — After a ceremony today paying tribute to the 9/11 heroes, both human and K-9, several puppies were introduced as the first to be trained and studied at the new Working Dog Center in Grays Ferry, created by the University of Pennsylvania school of veterinary medicine.

With three hero canines and hundreds of onlookers present, seven puppies participating in the program were introduced at the grand opening of the facility.

Dr. Cynthia Otto, a veterinarian, who is executive director of the Working Dog Center (at lectern in photo below), says research will be done alongside the training, “and see if we can’t answer: What is the best way to train these dogs? What is the best way to keep them healthy? What is the best way to give them a long and successful career?”

(Dr. Cynthia Otto addresses the opening ceremony of Penn Vet’s new Working Dog Center. Credit: John McDevitt)

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The center is privately funded and donations are needed. Volunteers are also being sought.

For more information, go to PennVetWDC.org.