PA 'Comfort Gator' Up For America's Favorite Pet

PENNSYLVANIA — Cheesesteaks, history, and comfort gators: that's what Pennsylvania does.

The Keystone State could soon be known as the home of not just the nation's greatest gator, but America's Favorite Pet, if WallyGator can keep his stunning popularity growing.

While cats and dogs and mice and birds are ubiquitious entrants in a new national competition, WallyGator, described as an emotional support animal, sets himself apart from the rest with rows and his reptilian wiles.

Social media is filled with images and videos of Wally swimming with children in pools, resting his head in the laps of strangers, going for walks on a leash through parks, and hugging senior citizens with all four of his legs.

"He senses people emotions and gives hugs to try to cheer people up," his owner Joie Henney writes.

Henney is battling cancer, and says that Wally has provided crucial and tender support.

"He has come with me to radiation and has brought cheer to other patients and the doctors and nurses," Henney added.

The Dauphin County-based pet is currently in second place in the competition, which opened voting early Monday. The winning pet will earn a $10,000 payday and will also be featured in InTouch Magazine.

Wally's caretakers says instead of snacking on the people who pet him, who he loves, he goes for raw chicken and cheese puff corn.

"He’s just different in so many ways, no one can explain it," his caretakers share on his official Instagram page. "No one knows why he doesn’t bite. It’s not normal."

He lives in the house with his family, where he sometimes finds himself in trouble.

"At night he likes to climb into my bed and steal my covers and pillow,"Henney writes. "WallyGator has tried to bring my blankets with him into his pond!"

The first round of voting closes on Sept. 1. Vote for WallyGator online here.