Why People Turn to Exotic Emotional Support Animals
The case for alligators, birds, or horses as therapeutic companions
Joie Henney’s alligator likes to be hugged. He snuggles up to Henney on the couch, and the duo sits together quietly and watches Animal Planet. Sometimes they take naps together, and when Henney falls asleep, the alligator — named Wally — will crawl up next to him and rest his snout on his head.
Henney, 66, is a former bull rider and has rescued alligators for 18 years in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Wally was handed off to him by a friend in Orlando, and Henney kept him around for his unnaturally gentle demeanor — he seemed to welcome human touch. The pair made their bond official in November of last year, after Henney lost four of his lifelong friends within two weeks and sunk into a deep depression. He didn’t want to go on medication, and he noticed his mood seemed to improve whenever Wally was around.
“My doctor knew I had gators, and she asked what I’ve been doing to get myself back on my feet, and I said, ‘Well, hanging out with my alligator, Wally,’” remembers Henney. “She says, ‘Why don’t you get him registered as an emotional support animal?’ I said, ‘How in the world can I register an alligator as emotional support?’ She told me he was qualified: He’s obedient, he’s trainable, and…
