If you're on the internet all the time, you've probably heard of Wally, the emotional support alligator. He's gone viral multiple times.
Hey, not all emotional support animals are cute and fluffy, okay?!
I'm not saying that Wally isn't cute ... he's just different.
So, if you haven't already heard of this famous reptile, this dude from Pennsylvania swears by this alligator named Wally for keeping his spirits up for almost ten years. We reported on Wally in 2022 and again last year when he was unfairly discriminated against and denied entry to a Phillie's game.
In a terrible turn of events, Joie Henney is now on a mission to find the scaly buddy after Wally disappeared while vacationing on the Georgia coast.
Henney's feeling extremely torn up after Wally disappeared during their April getaway in Brunswick, Georgia. Henney's got a gut feeling that someone swiped Wally from the fenced-in outdoor spot where he crashed for the night on April 21.
In a tearful video posted on TikTok, Henney shared that some jokers must have left Wally outside a stranger's house as a prank.
We need all the help we can get to bring my baby back. Please, we need your help.
The random homeowner who found Wally outside her house called the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). They captured the gator and set him free back into the wild - he was put into a swamp with other swamp puppies.
Not sure how Wally will do out there in the wild ... 😟 After all, he was rescued in Florida at just 14 months old. He's been an emotional support animal to Henney since then.
Henney has been sharing updates, or sadly, a lack of updates on Wally's social media pages. He recently told Wally's fans not to be angry at the woman who found the gator outside her door. He said she seemed like a "very nice lady" and did nothing wrong with trying to help the situation.
As for the DNR, Henney's been in contact with them, but they've been of little to no help. They've stood by the trapper and said he was within his rights to capture and release him.
Henney's been asking folks to email the department to get more attention on Wally and hopefully relocate him and bring him home.
And he's telling folks to be nice!
Sadly, Henney later shared that the DNR stated they would not approve the permit he needs to keep Wally in Georgia (it's illegal for people to keep a gator without a special permit) AND that if Wally were found, Henney would be prosecuted.
Henney started a GoFundMe to cover the costs of his search efforts. And who knows, this may turn into a legal battle!
I must admit, when I first heard of Wally, I was a bit suspicious. Like, come on — an alligator for emotional support?? But seeing Henney and Wally interact and cuddle just warmed my heart!
Wally is also great with others — we've seen him playing with kids and wearing sunglasses and adorable costumes. He even dressed up as Santa one year!
Facebook/WallygatorFacebook/WallygatorFacebook/Wallygator
Just look at him. He's harmless!
(At least, I hope so.)
Oh man, I hope they bring Wally home! 😭
But maybe he'll be happier in the wild and Henney will be able to find another emotional support critter.
Hang in there, little buddy, wherever you are. 💚 🐊
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