In a heartwarming tale of unwavering devotion and courage, Cecil Williams, a man with visual impairment, found himself in a terrifying situation when he lost consciousness and fell onto the subway tracks in New York City. However, he was not alone in this perilous moment – his loyal companion, Orlando, a dedicated guide dog, immediately leaped into action to save his owner.
After the incident occurred, Cecil Williams was admitted to the hospital, but Orlando remained faithfully by his side throughout. Cecil had plans to get a new service dog in the near future to replace his aging black Lab who was eleven years old. However, given the incredible heroic act Orlando performed, Cecil is now contemplating the idea of having both a working and retired dog, if circumstances allow. On the other hand, the family who initially raised Orlando as a pet has expressed their willingness to take him back if Cecil decides otherwise. Guiding Eyes for the Blind, the organization responsible for training and providing service dogs, offers these dogs at no cost but faces financial constraints when it comes to covering the expenses of retired dogs.
Following an interview and a series of captivating photos published by The Associated Press, which beautifully depicted the inseparable connection between Cecil and Orlando, the St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center was flooded with generous offers of financial assistance and support from kind-hearted individuals. In light of their expertise in matters concerning guide dogs, Guiding Eyes for the Blind decided to oversee these inquiries.
Cecil Williams now faces a challenging path ahead, made even more difficult by his current situation and emotional state. He must make the tough decision of whether to care for two dogs, and in doing so, considerable financial aid will be necessary to ensure the retired Lab receives proper care.
The organization is actively setting up a fund to provide assistance, and the details will be soon available on its website. If Cecil does not require any surplus funds, they will be redirected to aid other guide dogs in need.
Remarkably, both 61-year-old Cecil Williams and Orlando escaped serious injuries when a passing train collided with them during the incident. Witnesses described how Orlando’s frantic barking and brave attempts to prevent Cecil from falling off the platform were truly heroic. As the train approached, Orlando jumped onto the tracks, even giving a kiss to his owner to motivate him to move.
As Cecil Williams continues his journey of recovery, he expresses his heartfelt appreciation and mentions that he is feeling slightly better. However, he remains under careful medical observation, dealing with some discomfort and minor injuries, as doctors strive to uncover the underlying cause of his unexpected loss of consciousness.
This touching story highlights the incredible connection between a guide dog and its owner, while also celebrating the overwhelming support from the community during challenging times.