YORK HAVEN, Pa. — A Pennsylvania man says his emotional support alligator helps him deal with his depression.
Sixty-five-year-old Joie Henney, of York Haven, says his registered emotional support animal named Wally likes to snuggle and give hugs, despite being a 5-foot-long alligator. Philly.com reports Henney says he received approval from his doctor to use Wally as his emotional support animal after not wanting to go on medication for depression.

Wally, a 4-year-old emotional support alligator, soaks up the sun while his owner, Joie Henney, rubs his head at the SpiriTrust Lutheran Village in York, Pa. on Jan 14, 2019. Ty Lohr/York Daily Record via AP
Wally was rescued from outside Orlando at 14 months old. Henney says Wally eats chicken wings and shares an indoor plastic pond with a smaller rescue alligator named Scrappy.
Henney acknowledges that Wally is still a dangerous wild animal and could probably tear his arm off, but says he’s never been afraid of him.
-
Varsity Maine
Podcast: Center Court Day 3
-
Boys' Basketball
Boys basketball: Winthrop opens C South tournament with win
-
Nation & World
DNA tests may identify animal that attacked N.C. teacher
-
Local & State
Hallowell men finish up repairs to city’s landmark crane
-
Skiing
Nordic skiing state championships: Maranacook boys off to fast start