Skip to Search Skip to Live Player Skip to Content Skip to Footer

Emotional Support Alligator Up For ‘America’s Favorite Pet’

Author Melany Myers
Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images

We’ve chatted about lots of wild animal stories on-air but this may be the oddest one. A family in Pennsylvania have a licensed emotional support alligator named Wally and he’s up for ‘America’s Favorite Pet’ this year. Yup. An emotional support alligator.

WallyGator is a seven-year-old emotional support alligator. He’s owned by people that operate a reptile rescue. And currently, WallyGator is the leader in this year’s ‘America’s Favorite Pet’ competition. According to Fox News, WallyGator is quite popular on social media, and even has his own TikTok account.

When you look at the account @WallytheAlligator, you’ll see pictures of Wally in a pool with kids and riding in the back seat of a car with a little girl. Now, I’m sure he’s trained and to my knowledge there’s never been an incident involving Wally biting, but HELLO?! It’s still a wild animal people! WTH?! My head almost popped off when I saw the pictures this morning. I don’t think I’d let kids hang out with WallyGator. That said, he does have a cute face!

Right now, WallyGator is in first place for the ‘America’s Favorite Pet’ competition. A chinchilla named Churro, a rescue dog named Hank, and a tamed wild mustang named Sundance “Sunny” Kid are also grabbing lots of votes.

The contest raises money for the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) which helps cats, dogs, and wild animals rehabilitate and thrive. I’m all about this organization! I’m just still iffy about WallyGator. That said, you can vote for WallyGator and/or the other animals in the contest here. First round of voting ends September 1st.

@wallythealligator

What it is like traveling with Wally!!!#wallytheemotionalsupportalligator #WallyGatorESA #wallygatore

♬ Send Me on My Way - Guy Meets Girl

 

Melany Myers is a Gastonia native and has spent most of her life here in North Carolina. Mel has worked in radio for over 20 years, many of which she spent co-hosting morning shows in Charlotte, NC, and Columbia, SC. Mel loves 80’s music, going to concerts, cooking, and eating! She is always writing about random news stories that really make you wonder, “what in the world?!” She also writes about rock music and human-interest content.

8 Places to Rescue Pets Near Charlotte, North Carolina

I warn you before you read this, your heart will melt. There are tons and tons of pets in the Charlotte metro and surrounding areas that need loving homes. Not to make you sad, but across the world, animal shelters take in millions of stray, abused, and lost animals each and every day. However, when you rescue one of these animals, you are giving them a second chance.

Here you will find a list of 8 different places you can rescue pets near Charlotte, North Carolina. Please make sure you have the time and financial means to take care of a pet before agreeing to.

  • 1. The Humane Society of Charlotte

    Bring home a new family member!
    Animal shelter
    Located at 1348 Parker Drive in Charlotte
    (704) 377-0534
    You can see more on rescuing a new best friend here.

  • 2. Catering to Cats and Dogs

    Want a new best friend?
    Pet adoption service
    (704) 879-1729
    You can see more about rescuing pets here.

  • 3. Heart of a Lion Rescue

    Want to bring a little kitty home? They make great snuggle partners!
    A nonprofit cat rescue group serving Southeast Charlotte, NC, and Upstate SC.
    See more on rescuing a pet here.

    Congratulations Harley and Hank on finding an amazing furever family. I will miss these babies so much. I do not often...

    Posted by Heart of a Lion Rescue on Thursday, February 17, 2022

  • 4. CMPD Animal Control

    I once found a bunny and he was adopted through CMPD Animal Control! They help find homes for all kinds of pets.
    Animal Shelter
    (704) 336-7600
    Located at 8315 Byrum Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217.
    Click here to see more on rescuing an animal here.

    https://www.facebook.com/animalscmpd/posts/323113949858948

  • 5. Pet Partners Rescue

    Animal Shelter
    Located at 220 Joyceton Church Road Lenoir, NC 28645.
    (828) 572-4822
    You can see more about rescuing pets here.

    Meet Wilma BAS, Barney BAS, and Betty BASThese pups were surrendered by a family that was moving into a smaller home /...

    Posted by Foothills Canine Rescue, Inc. on Tuesday, February 1, 2022

  • 6. Cabarrus County Animal Shelter

    Animal Rescue
    (704) 920-3288
    244 Betsy Carpenter Place Concord, NC 28025.
    See more on rescuing pets here.

    Say hello to our new dogs and cats for adoption!! If you'd like to meet them please complete the online adoption...

    Posted by Cabarrus County Animal Shelter on Tuesday, February 22, 2022

  • 7. Cornelius Animal Shelter

    Located at 19110 Meridian Street Cornelius, NC 28031.
    (704) 237-3602
    You can see more on animals available to rescue here.

    Hershey is looking for a new home. This big boy is almost 6lbs and still intact. The Vet thinks he is right around a...

    Posted by Cornelius Animal Shelter on Friday, September 10, 2021

  • 8. Humane Society of York County

    Animal Shelter
    Located at 8177 Regent Parkway Suite 103, Fort Mill, South Carolina.
    (803) 802-0902
    You can see more about rescuing a pet of your own here.

    Hey everyone, my name is Calliope! I'm 6 months old and the sweetest girl you could ever meet. I was pulled by my...

    Posted by Humane Society of York County on Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Get The K Files Newsletter Delivered Directly To Your Inbox

You'll be in the know on music and entertainment news, exclusive giveaways, and what's happening in right here in Charlotte.

*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.
Author Melany Myers
Category:
Tags:
,,,

More Animal News

Load More