Ally-Gator’s got a new piglet friend and is loving life up North
Five months ago, the pit bull who would become widely known as “Ally Gator” was in serious danger. The dog survived a 30-foot fall from I-310 into the swamp below, warded off an alligator attack and was in danger of drowning before a rescue effort gave her new life.
As bleak as things looked then, they’re just as bright today for “Ally-Gator” who has not only survived but is thriving in her new Allentown, New Jersey home.
“Her tail never stops wagging,” said Dina Alborano, who officially adopted Ally in November.
The dog arrived on Dec. 12 after receiving a clean bill of health. Though it took a little while for Ally to adjust to the icy weather of the northeast, it’s been a seamless transition otherwise, Alborano said.
“She’s probably the friendliest dog I’ve ever encountered,” Alborano said. “She’s just so lovable, so well-behaved … I love her to death. She’s been perfect.”
Lady, as the dog has been renamed since, was a bit shy upon arriving at her new home, Alborano noted. But a couple of days in, she was flourishing.
“At first, she was a little apart from everyone,” Alborano said.” She slept in the backseat all the way home (on the first night). She’d stare at our front door and just sit there, like she kind of expected she’d be going somewhere else.
“But that stopped after 48 hours. I think she knows she’s got a home forever, now.”
Alborano added the dog goes by the full name “Lady Gator.” She said she learned that Lady was Ally’s initial name, and the pit bull responds instantly when that name is called. As for the Gator part, it’s a reminder that this dog is a survivor.
In early October, Lady was rescued after being thrown from I-310 into the swamp beneath, a nearly 30-foot drop. After authorities were alerted that the dog was stranded — she had been swimming before finding a patch of marshy land — officers arrived and rescued the dog within 45 minutes, found with a skin infection and apparently bitten by an alligator. The latter was a sad, but ironic twist, given the dog was found wearing a Florida Gators collar.
“I don’t know how anyone could ever do something like that to such a sweet dog,” Alborano said.
Word of Ally’s mistreatment spread quickly.
The dog’s plight became a story of national interest and people quickly stepped up to help. The St. Charles Animal Shelter drew a number of requests for adoption. The pit bull’s medicine, skin biopsies and skin cultures, utilized to identify her best treatment, were all covered by adoption and donation monies channeled through the St. Charles Humane Society.
“Ally became so fortunate despite her harrowing circumstances,” said veterinarian Jena Troxler. “She recovered with her relatively minor skin infections and scrapes and was able to move up North once well.
“Her home is simply amazing and frequent updates have been facilitated by a shelter worker employee keeping in close touch with Ally’s new parents. The humane society loves the fact that we could help this sweet girl. We are extremely thrilled all of the resources were there to help Ally.”
The animal shelter identified Alborano as the best choice to care for Lady. After nearly two months of care, Lady made her way into a transport vehicle and rode across the country. There, she found her new home.
Alborano also cares for four horses, two other dogs — a bloodhound and a German shepherd —along with a pot-bellied pig. Lady, she said, has formed a noticeable bond with the latter.
“She’ll play hide-and-go seek with our pot-bellied pig,” she said. “It’s so funny how they interact. She’ll sleep right next to (the pig). She gets along so great with the other dogs and she loves our horses.
“She’s been all I expected and much more.”
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