Man Says Emotional Support Alligator Helps His Depression

Joie Henney, 65, hugs his emotional support alligator named Wally inside their home in York Haven, Pa. on Jan. 22, 2019. Heather Khalifa/The Philadelphia Inquirer/AP

YORK HAVEN—A Pennsylvania man says his emotional support alligator helps him deal with his depression.

Joie Henney, 65, said his registered emotional support animal named Wally likes to snuggle and give hugs, despite being a 5-foot-long alligator. The York Haven man said he received approval from his doctor to use Wally as his emotional support animal after not wanting to go on medication for depression, he told Philly.com.