Therapy Alligator visits nursing homes

No, siriusly.

Wally, a a four-and-a-half foot long alligator with razor-sharp teeth, recently visited an assisted-living development north of York, Pennsylvania on a leash. 

Wally may not be soft and cuddly like a therapy dog, but he loves making new friends and having the top of his head rubbed. He has never bitten anyone and is afraid of cats.

Wally belongs to Joie Henney of Joie Henney’s Outdoors, a hunting and fishing show that ran from 1989 until 2000 on ESPN Outdoors and other outlets.

Henney rescued Wally about three years ago. A friend who rescues alligators in Florida called and told him about a group of alligators that were going to be destroyed to make room for a development.

At the time Wally was a 14-month-old pup, about a foot and a half long. He was afraid of everything, but after a few months he started becoming domesticated. He soon became part of the household.

 “He was a like a little puppy dog,” Henney said. “He would follow us around the house.”

Wally shares his home with Scrappy, another alligator. They live in a 300-gallon pond Henney built in his living room. Wally loves to watch TV and lie down on the couch or bed. His diet includes frozen rats and chicken.

“He’s just like a dog,” Henney said. “He wants to be loved and petted.”

Wally is still a wild animal and Henny says you still have to be careful around him.

 “They aren’t for everyone, but what can I say. I’m not normal.”

In other words, kids, don’t try this at home.

 

Comments

[Comedy Plus]

Well, I've seen everything now. This would not be for me. Just saying.

Have a fabulous day and week, my friend. ♥

[Brian Frum]

Well, Sally is afraid of cats so he's a smart one too!

[Brian Frum]

What? That was supposed to be Wally not Sally!

[Foley Monster, Pocket and River Song]

I wonder how seniors in the home told their children that a alligator came to see them and their kids thought it was the rambling of old age

[Linda Brown]

What a trip...to pet an alligator in a nursing home

[Monika, Sam & Elsa]

Umm, don't think so! No offense to Wally but as the driving half of a pet therapy team, I can honestly say...not no how, not no way at our hospital. Guess that old adage of 'something for everyone' is true.

[Jodi Stone]

I'm saying no. Also, who the hell builds a pond in their living room?

[cube]

It would make my day to hug Wally. I've held gators that size before but they were undomesticated and had their snouts taped close. I'd love to meet a friendly one.