While human-animal friendships are always touching, it’s even more exciting to see two animals coming from very different species finding each other. That’s certainly the case for an incredible bond forged by Delta the dolphin and Gunner the golden retriever ever since the latter was a puppy.
Blanton first got the dog and the dolphin together with the hopes that meeting little Gunner would help Delta adapt to a variety of creatures and situations.
The fact that the dog was immediately so calm helped Delta, then 4 years old, feel safe and express his natural curiosity. As Blanton was training Gunner at the time, she brought him to work every day, and the pup soon became a familiar friend.
“I started to notice that every time I would bring Gunner down, Delta was the first dolphin over to the dock,” Blanton said. “He would bring him his toys as if he was trying to play with him.”
Over the seven years that Gunner has been on the scene, the two friends have remained close, with the affectionate golden retriever still stopping by for a kiss and snuggle.
Despite the difference in species, their “friendship just blossomed over time,” Blanton told Insider.
Blanton said that, as she brings Gunner to the center only a few times a month now, they “don’t get to see each other quite as much now.” However, they apparently still recognize each other immediately, and always come in for a kiss.
Many animal lovers online marveled at how close the two had become. Needless to say, there’s no question that Gunner and Delta have a special bond, and here’s hoping that the two will have many more happy years together.
