When Evan Pender dives beneath the water’s surface off the coast of Ireland, he enters a huge, strange realm that few people will ever see.
Pender dives on his own most of the time, although he’s rarely alone for long.
Pender is almost always greeted by a nice wild dolphin named Dusty who comes from the depths to meet him when he goes diving.
Dusty has been a fixture along this stretch of coastline for more than 20 years, known for her occasional interactions with boats and swimmers. But her interest in Pender seems driven by more than mere curiosity.
When he goes diving, she seems eager to see him.
“I never look for Dusty when I get in the water,” Pender told The Dodo. “She finds me, so she must enjoy my company.”
Pender spends a lot of time in the water with Dusty, exploring the underwater world with her on her terms.
“She initiates all communication between me and Dusty,” Pender explained. “In all the time I’ve dived with her, I’ve never touched her.” I perceive her as a peer, and I don’t want to upset our dynamic by rubbing her.”
Pender and Dusty’s friendship has evolved as a result of that trust and respect, and it shows.
Pender took one of his fins from his feet while out on a dive with the dolphin at his side. Dusty was taken aback, maybe just then discovering that his fins were removable.
Dusty seemed to carry that concept with her even after she and Pender parted ways.
When he went to the lake the next day, Dusty came, holding another fin she’d discovered. It was a present, and with it, the amicable duo played a fetch-style game.
Pender and Dusty’s friendship was reinforced in that time by their shared pleasure.
“I believe I now understand why dolphins engage in object-based games. It fosters trust, according to Pender.
“She knew it was as much fun for me as it was for her to dive down and fetch the fin with Dusty.” Otherwise, she would have demanded that I constantly drop the fin for her. She, on the other hand, urged me to go down for it. She never missed a beat.”
It’s evident, because to Dusty and exchanges like these, that the ocean contains more than simply seascapes to explore – it also contains actual emotions.
Pender is reluctant to consider himself an ambassador of sorts between humankind and dolphinkind, but through his incredible bond with Dusty, he’s built a bridge regardless.
“I feel at home underwater,” Pender said. “I love being around Dusty, and our friendship is getting stronger and stronger.”
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