TODAY – The story of a faithful guide dog who bravely saved his master after he fell onto subway tracks is warming the hearts of social media users expressing concern over the animal’s future.
Cecil Williams, a 60-year-old blind man, tumbled from a subway platform in upper Manhattan after fainting Tuesday morning. His black Labrador guide dog, Orlando, jumped down to the tracks and tried to protect him as witnesses tried to slow an oncoming train.
“He got too close to the edge. Then all of a sudden he just fell — right in the track. The dog was trying to pull him back,” a witness told NBC.
Both were struck but only received minor injuries.
“The dog saved my life,” an emotional Williams told the Associated Press.
But at nearly 11 years old, Orlando is set to retire — and Williams’ insurance will only pay for an actively working dog. Williams said that if money were no issue, “I would definitely keep him.”
Hundreds of people expressed concern on TODAY’s Facebook page over Orlando’s fate and asked how they could help Williams keep his best friend.
“My family and I would love to skip purchasing presents for Xmas and donate the money to Cecil. This man needs to keep his furry four legged family member!!!!” Kristin Davies wrote.
LeNore Ralston noted that Williams ultimately will need a younger guide dog “so there needs to be funding to help him keep his old buddy and be able to have fresh, young eyes helping him out, as well,” she wrote. “I’m sure someone can pull this off!”
Social media users also shared the story on Twitter. One person encouraged wealthy New Yorkers to “pony up” to help the pair.
Click here to read more.