So touching: Blind man who fell on subway tracks was saved by his guide dog

Cecil Williams' guide dog Orlando sits besides him during a press conference at St. Luke's Hospital on Tuesday

Cecil Williams who fell into the path of an oncoming train at the 125th St. Station on Tuesday tearfully thanked Orlando his guide dog who stuck by him after the two fell onto the tracks.

Cecil Williams , 61, who had been faced with getting a new guide dog and to part with Orlando because his insurance company won’t cover a nonservice dog, and he can’t afford a pet might have to keep him (Orlando) now. Thanks to two donors who were inspired by the remarkable tale of survival.

The gift of a lifetime was offered by a New Jersey businessman; Andrew Piera, 48, a married father of two and a dog lover who volunteered to pay for all of Orlando’s expenses  for the rest of its life.

More Photos and details after the cut...

‘Guide dogs serve a purpose, and they are very loyal and they are very good,’ Williams (left) said of Orlando.

Williams tears up recounting the story of how his guide dog Orlando stayed by his side after he fell into the path of an oncoming train.

Williams speaks in gratitude;  " I think it’s a time to rejoice ... It’s goodwill on Earth, all these donations,” Williams told reporters at St. Luke’s Hospital, where he is recuperating from a blow to the head suffered when he fell onto the tracks. “I’d like to say thank you, but I’m looking for some more words to describe how it feels ... it’s a blessing, a miracle.”

Cecil Williams pets his guide dog Orlando. Williams will be allowed to keep the dog after he retires from service.

Pals for life! Cecil Williams pets his guide dog Orlando in his hospital bed following a fall onto subway tracks from the platform on Tuesday.

Williams, a diabetic, grew dizzy, fainted and ultimately fell onto the tracks on Tuesday, despite Orlando’s efforts to keep him away from the platform edge. 

As a train roared into the station, transit flagman Larmont Smith yelled for Williams, who was dazed but had Orlando at his side, to lie between the rails. The two ducked down in the nick of time, and were not hit by the train. 

Orlando stayed down there with me. He was licking my face. He was there for me,” Williams said, petting the dog as he spoke.   

"Guide dogs serve a purpose, and they are very loyal and they are very good," he said as he fought to keep his voice steady.

"(Orlando) is always there for me, he drives me through the sidewalks, he gets me across the streets, he's always looking out for me, that's his job.”

"Williams was paired with Orlando through Guiding Eyes for the Blind. All of the group’s funding comes from donations. Those wishing to donate can visit guidingeyes.com.

“There are other people out there with disabilities and they need dogs, so if you can find it in your heart, you can send a donation to Guiding Eyes,” Williams said.

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