In a touching narrative of unwavering loyalty and courage, Cecil Williams, a visually impaired man, found himself in a harrowing predicament when he lost consciousness and tumbled onto the subway tracks in New York. Yet, he wasn’t alone in this dire moment — his devoted guide dog, Orlando, sprang into action without hesitation to rescue his owner.
Following the incident, Cecil Williams was hospitalized, but Orlando remained faithfully by his side. Cecil had been on track to receive a new working dog in the upcoming months, intending to replace his 11-year-old black Lab. However, in light of Orlando’s heroic act, Cecil is now contemplating the possibility of having both a working and retired dog, circumstances permitting.
Alternatively, the family who had raised Orlando as a puppy has expressed their willingness to take him back if Cecil decides otherwise. Guiding Eyes for the Blind, the organization responsible for training and providing working dogs, offers these dogs for free but faces limitations in covering the expenses of retired dogs.
After an interview and a series of photographs published by The Associated Press that vividly showcased the unbreakable bond between Cecil and Orlando, the St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center received an outpouring of offers for financial support and assistance from well-wishers. Guiding Eyes for the Blind stepped in to oversee these inquiries, given their expertise in matters concerning guide dogs.
For Cecil Williams, the road ahead is laden with difficult decisions, compounded by his current circumstances and emotional state. Should he choose to care for two dogs, financial assistance for the retired Lab’s care will be essential.
The organization is actively establishing a fund to provide support, with details soon to be available on its website. Any surplus funds, should Cecil not require them, will be redirected to aid other guide dogs in need.
Miraculously, both Cecil Williams, aged 61, and Orlando escaped serious injury when a passing train bumped into them during the incident. Witnesses recounted how Orlando’s frantic barking and valiant efforts to prevent Cecil from falling off the platform were nothing short of heroic. As the train drew near, Orlando leaped onto the tracks, even bestowing a kiss upon his owner in an attempt to encourage him to move.
While Cecil Williams continues his recovery, he has expressed gratitude and shared that he’s “feeling a little bit better.” Nevertheless, he remains under medical supervision, contending with some soreness and bruises, as ongoing medical tests seek to unveil the cause of his sudden loss of consciousness.
This heartwarming narrative shines a light on the extraordinary bond between a guide dog and its owner, while also celebrating the outpouring of support from the community when faced with adversity.
