A Pennsylvania man's vacation down South took a wild turn when his emotional support alligator, Wally, suddenly went missing in Georgia. Joie Henney, Wally's owner, is now scouring the area and clinging on to hope that his unusual but beloved pet will be found.

Henney told FOX 5's affiliate, WTXF, that he suspects the eight-year-old gator was snatched from its enclosure in Brunswick during their stay. After a gut-wrenching week with no sight of Wally, Henney revealed that his alligator was left in an unfamiliar yard and was later released by a trapper into a local swamp, a decision that has evidently complicated the reunion chances of the man and his cold-blooded companion.

Having shared a unique bond since 2015, when Henney adopted Wally from a friend in Florida who rescues alligators, their story is not your typical human-pet narrative. The duo has been inseparable, living together with Wally comfortably housed in a 300-gallon pond situated right in Henney's living room, as reported by WSBTV. The alligator not only provides emotional support but also participates in educational activities, visiting schools and senior centers.

In 2022, Wally gained some fame and was even considered for 'America's Favorite Pet', but now Henney's focus is solely on getting his scaled friend back. Henney has launched a GoFundMe page in an effort to raise funds for the search effort, as well as potential travel, legal, and veterinary expenses, Joie Henney told WPVI-TV, as obtained by WSBTV. Already, the online campaign has seen a flow of generosity with over $5,000 in donations.

Despite the situation looking bleak, Henney is not requiring any explanations; he just wants his gator returned, no questions asked. In the meantime, Henney attempts to navigate the turbulent emotional and logistical challenges of his unexpected predicament, he holds onto a sliver of hope that the unlikely pair will be reunited once more.