This Man Is Going Viral For Having An "Emotional Support Alligator," And The Pictures Are Truly Something Wild

    Whatever floats your boat!

    Matt Stopera
    by Matt Stopera

    BuzzFeed Staff

    We've all seen emotional support dogs.

    a person high-fiving a dog
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    There are emotional support birds.

    a colorful bird on someone's hand
    Barbara Alper / Getty Images

    And I'm pretty sure there are emotional support mini horses too.

    people petting a mini horse
    Spencer Platt / Getty Images

    But emotional support gators?! What?!

    a man at a laptop
    Ute Grabowsky / Photothek via Getty Images

    So, the other day I came across this video of a man casually lounging with his emotional support alligator. Yes, "emotional support alligator."

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    The alligator's name is Wally, and his owner says his cuddles have helped with his depression.

    the man petting the gator
    Inside Edition

    "I don't know what I would have done without him," his owner, Joe, tearfully says.

    the man petting the alligator
    Inside Edition

    "He's not your typical alligator. He's more affectionate. He just comes up and lays and cuddles."

    the alligator laying on the owner
    Inside Edition

    The clip is actually from a 2019 episode of Inside Edition.

    View this video on YouTube
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    In the clip, they take Wally around to a daycare and the dollar store.

    a woman holding Wally and walking through a store
    Inside Edition

    They show him watching TV.

    Wally sitting on a couch with his owner
    Inside Edition

    And they prove he's even a registered emotional support pet, apparently federally licensed.

    a person looking at the owner's license
    Inside Edition

    This video had me totally intrigued, but I was curious: What is Wally up to today?

    a man at a laptop
    Ute Grabowsky / Photothek via Getty Images

    Luckily, like most people, Wally has a TikTok presence.

    This video of Wally swimming has over 5 million views!

    @wallythealligator

    WallyGator went swimming in the Swatty!#WallyGatorESA

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    There's also an Instagram.

    There were plenty of pics of Wally chilling around.

    There are pics of him meeting people around town.

    Pictures of him lounging around the house.

    On Christmas.

    And even driving the car.

    Unfortunately, Wally's owner is battling cancer, so we'll send all our love and light to them.