26 touching images of a brave dog who risked his life to save a 61-year-old man who was blind and fell on the subway line
The guide dog, who leaped onto subway tracks after his blind owner lost consciousness and fell off a station platform, is assured of finding a loving home after his retirement.
Cecil Williams, who has been recovering at a hospital with Orlando still by his side, was scheduled to receive another working dog in January or February to replace the 11-year-old black Lab.
Now, ideally, he would like to have two dogs – one working and one retired as a pet – if logistics, physical abilities, and finances allow.
If that’s not possible, the family that raised Orlando as a puppy says it will be “absolutely thrilled to have him back,” said Michelle Brier, a spokeswoman for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. “They’re very thrilled that their little baby has made such a big difference.”
Williams told The Associated Press on Tuesday that he couldn’t afford a non-working dog, so he was planning to find a good home for Orlando. Guiding Eyes provides working dogs for free but cannot cover the expenses of retired dogs.
After the AP published its interview and photographs of Williams with Orlando in his hospital room, St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center has been receiving inquiries from well-wishers offering money and other assistance.
Guiding Eyes has “graciously stepped forward to handle those inquiries,” said hospital spokesman Jim Mandler.
Williams said that if he does decide he’s able to care for two dogs, he would need help paying for the Lab’s care.
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The organization was setting up a fund and planned to post information on its website. If it turns out Williams doesn’t need the money, it will be used for other guide dogs, according to Brier.
Williams, 61, and Orlando both escaped serious injury on Tuesday when they were bumped by a train passing over them – a miraculous end to a harrowing ordeal that began when Williams felt faint on his way to the dentist.
Witnesses said Orlando barked frantically and tried to stop Williams from tumbling off the platform. Matthew Martin told the New York Post that Orlando leaped onto the tracks as the train approached and kissed Williams to entice him to move.
Williams said on Wednesday that he’s “feeling a little bit better” but wasn’t sure how long he’d be hospitalized.
“My head is still a little sore where they put the staples in. There are bruises on my body,” he said. “They still need to run tests to try to find out what caused it.”