Community Chat

[JustJules]

Yesterday, Orlando, a seeing-eye guide dog helped save his owner, a 60 year old blind man, when he fainted and fell off the subway platform and onto the tracks. The dog tried to pull the man back before he fell, but then jumped down to be with his owner and barked. Bystanders were able to flag the oncoming subway driver to slow down, and somehow the train passed by the dog and man without much injury. The sad thing is Orlando is 11 years old and set to retire as a guide dog, and the man's insurance won't cover him keeping the dog. Social media has been on fire with people wanting to find a way for this man to keep his faithful companion, even though he will need a new, younger guide dog. Orlando is so cute. I will send $5 or $10 when they share where the money can be sent. This is the type of thing that would make being a lottery winner fulfilling, being able to go around doing random acts of kindness for people in need.

Story here: http://www.today.com/news/social-media-mobilizes-help-blind-man-keep-hero-dog-2D11767015

Editor's note: TODAY will provide information about how to help Cecil Williams and Orlando as details come in from Williams or his friends.

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.