Cecil Williams and his guide dog, Orlando, made headlines when Orlando jumped onto subway tracks to save Williams after he lost consciousness and fell off the station platform. Williams, who is recovering in the hospital with Orlando by his side, was set to receive a new working dog in a few months to replace the 11-year-old black Lab. However, now he hopes to have two dogs, one working and one retired as a pet, if possible. In the event that having two dogs isn’t feasible, the family who raised Orlando as a puppy has expressed interest in having him back, and they are overjoyed that he has made such a significant difference.

According to Williams, he couldn’t afford to keep Orlando as a pet because the organization that provided him with a service dog, Guiding Eyes, only covers expenses for working dogs. Thus, he was planning to find a new home for Orlando. However, after an interview and photos were published in the Associated Press showing Williams with Orlando in his hospital room, St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center began receiving offers of assistance from kind-hearted individuals. Guiding Eyes has offered to receive and manage these offers of support. Williams has yet to decide if he will keep Orlando as a pet, and if so, he will need help paying for the dog’s care. Brier, a representative from Guiding Eyes, said it is a challenging and emotional time for Williams, and they are supportive of whatever decision he makes.

The organization has initiated a fund and intends to publish relevant details on its website. In the event that Williams doesn’t require the funds, they will be utilized for other guide dogs, as per Brier. Williams, aged 61, and Orlando both managed to escape unscathed after being bumped by a passing train. This was a miraculous outcome to a traumatic experience that began when Williams felt faint while on his way to the dentist. Onlookers reported that Orlando began barking frantically and attempted to prevent Williams from falling off the platform. According to Matthew Martin, Orlando jumped onto the tracks as the train approached, then licked Williams to encourage him to move.

On Wednesday, Williams shared that he is gradually recovering, but he cannot predict how long he will need to be admitted to the hospital. He added that his head is still a bit tender where the staples were placed, and there are bruises on his body. The medical team is still conducting tests to identify what triggered his condition.