A remarkable dog has been wowing its owners with its unique ability to attract dolphins to their boat and seemingly communicate with them off the coast of Wales. Pearl, a seven-year-old Black Patterdale terrier, has been charming dolphins since she was a puppy by emitting a distinctive high-pitched whine that catches the attention of the marine mammals. Mark and Louise Parry, Pearl’s owners, were initially taken aback by her unusual squeak but have now embraced her talent.
Setting sail from Pwllheli, Mark mentioned that Pearl appears to sense the presence of dolphins in the water before calling out to them. Studies have previously shown that dolphins respond to high-pitched sounds, such as musical instruments and whistles. In December 2021, research conducted in Australia revealed that dolphins are attracted to high-pitched musical instruments like flutes and piccolos. Pearl’s ability to communicate with dolphins in a similar manner adds to the growing understanding of dolphin behaviour.
Mark, who works as a delivery driver at Jaguar Land Rover, Halewood, confessed that he used to edit out Pearl’s high-pitched cries from his fishing videos. However, after including her calls in a recent clip, the online response was overwhelmingly positive. Pearl’s unique talent has garnered admiration from viewers, with one person likening the experience to a memorable encounter with dolphins during a diving trip.
Pearl’s ability to maintain her dolphin-friendly whine for extended periods has led to the need for a routine to prevent the dolphins from following them for miles. Mark shared that when it’s time to leave the dolphins undisturbed, they have to stow Pearl away in the cabin and increase speed to discourage the marine creatures from trailing them endlessly. The captivating interaction between Pearl and the dolphins has sparked interest in potentially offering dolphin-watching excursions with Pearl aboard.
As Mark considers retirement, he envisions securing a mooring at Pwllheli for a larger vessel to offer dolphin-watching tours with Pearl’s enchanting presence. The prospect of hiring Pearl out to other boats for similar experiences is also under consideration. Pearl’s unique ability to communicate with dolphins has placed her in a league of her own, reminiscent of the elusive Black Pearl from the Pirates of the Caribbean, with a talent that is truly extraordinary.
For more of Pearl’s adventures and interactions with dolphins, interested individuals can follow Mark’s YouTube channel, VW Adventure, where they can witness firsthand the magical bond between this remarkable dog and the majestic marine mammals off the Welsh coast.