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 attentive to people’s feelings.”