How an alligator became an emotional support animal: ‘They said it was a midlife crisis’

Joseph Henney's main companion is not an ordinary alligator. He tries to comfort people and is famous for his hugs'

Joseph Henney, 69, grew up on a farm in the same area of Dover, Pennsylvania he lives in now. From a young age, Henney was surrounded by a wide range of animals, such as cattle, coyotes, snakes and hogs, which makes owning a pet alligator perhaps the least surprising thing about him.

But Henney's gator companion Wally is not an ordinary pet - he's an official emotional support animal and one that is now somewhat famous after video of Henney and Wally walking together in Philadelphia's Love Park went viral and triggered a slew of news headlines.