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__ In the business of rental property, I have experience only with government property, such as the HUD apartments that I manage for the Stockton Housing Authority. And within the five-inch-thick manual of rules and regulations, there is the allowance for an “emotional support animal.” This would be an animal that has been prescribed appropriately by medical or mental health care professionals. Much has been written on this subject, whether it’s in the housing industry, or travel, or restaurants, etc., and I’m thankful that so far, I’ve not had to deal with support animals other than dogs or cats. But out there in the big, wide world, someone will have a pony or a pot-bellied pig that is their emotional support animal. But never would I expect to hear of an emotional support alligator. Until now. Meet WallyGator, the only alligator in the United States who has earned his emotional support animal certification. He lives in York, Pa., with his devoted owner, Joie Henney. Wally came into Joie’s life six years ago at a pivotal time, having lost three family members and four lifelong friends in two weeks’ time. Depression hit him hard. That’s when a friend, who rescues gators, introduced Wally to him and suggested that Joie adopt him. It didn’t take long for Joie to realize that Wally is not your typical alligator, and Wally has become quite the local celebrity in Joie’s hometown. Joie brings him to restaurants, shops, and the mall, and he draws a crowd of admirers wherever he goes. Wally has never shown anger or aggression; Joie even sleeps with the gator and trusts him implicitly. He is as docile as any other indoor pet and has never bitten anyone. When Joie began treatments for cancer, he really leaned on Wally for support. That’s when a friend suggested he register the gator, and WallyGator is now a card-carrying, licensed, emotional support animal, which means Wally gets to tag along wherever Joie goes. I’ve seen and heard and learned a lot in my years of managing public housing, but I’m just glad I’ve not (yet!) been approached by a tenant wanting to house an emotional support alligator!