Cecil Williams and his trusty guide dog, Orlando, made headlines when Orlando bravely leaped onto subway tracks to save Williams after he collapsed and fell off the station platform. Williams, currently recuperating in the hospital with Orlando by his side, was scheduled to receive a new working dog to replace the 11-year-old black Lab in a few months. However, he now has his sights set on having both a working dog and a retired one as a pet if possible. If having two dogs proves to be too much, the family who raised Orlando as a puppy is eager to welcome him back, thrilled that he played such a vital role in saving Williams’ life.
Williams mentioned that he was unable to afford to keep Orlando as a pet due to the fact that Guiding Eyes, the organization that provided him with a service dog, only covers expenses for working dogs. As a result, he was considering finding a new home for Orlando. However, things changed when an interview and photos of Williams with Orlando in his hospital room were published by the Associated Press. Following this, St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center started receiving offers of help from kind-hearted individuals. Guiding Eyes has stepped in to handle and manage these offers of support. Williams is still contemplating whether to keep Orlando as a pet, but if he does, he will need assistance in covering the costs of caring for the dog. Brier, a representative from Guiding Eyes, mentioned that Williams is going through a tough and emotional time, and they will support whatever decision he ultimately makes.
The organization has set up a fund and plans to share all the necessary information on its website. In case Williams does not need the funds, they will be used to help other guide dogs, according to Brier. Williams, who is 61 years old, and his dog Orlando were both lucky to escape unharmed after being bumped by a passing train. It was a miraculous outcome to a scary situation that started when Williams suddenly felt unwell on his way to the dentist. Witnesses mentioned that Orlando started barking frantically and tried to stop Williams from falling off the platform. Matthew Martin added that Orlando jumped onto the tracks as the train was approaching, then licked Williams to urge him to move.
Williams provided an update on his health on Wednesday, noting that he is slowly improving, although he is unsure of how much longer he will remain hospitalized. He mentioned that he is still experiencing some tenderness in his head where the staples were placed and has visible bruises on his body. The medical team is continuing to run tests in order to determine the cause of his condition.
