I have no doubt that a lot of us have made friends while on vacation. Socializing with strangers abroad has a strangely mystical quality since it frequently results in lifelong connections. But what if I told you that this doesn’t only apply to people? Recently, a dog named Stanley traveled to Cornwall with his owner to visit the local seal sanctuary, where he befriended a seal pup by the name of Aayla. They then posed after that. Everyone said, “Aww!”

Stanley, a dachshund (sometimes called a sausage dog or wiener dog), and Melanie Talbot, his owner, were vacationing in Cornwall, England. They chose to go to the Sea Life Trust Cornish Seal Sanctuary during their time away from home, with whom Bored Panda got in touch to do an interview. Stanley was almost instantly drawn to a huge seal pup named Aayla, a permanent inhabitant of the seal sanctuary, as soon as he entered the underwater viewing areas. As soon as Aayla and his new friend’s gazes connected through the tank’s glass wall, they both felt delighted.

Aayla, a 2-year-old dachshund, reportedly dove into the window and continued swimming around out of curiosity. The two engaged in conversation and picture opportunities for almost 20 minutes. And my my, was it cute! According to Georgina Shannon of the Sea Life Trust Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Aayla is frequently discovered by underwater viewers, and she simply likes mingling with people and dogs. Although she seemed to particularly enjoy Stanley, this isn’t the first time Aayla has made friends with a dog.“We are often sent photos from our guests who have captured Aayla interacting with their dogs!”

Aayla, a 2-year-old dachshund, reportedly dove into the window and continued swimming around out of curiosity. The two engaged in conversation and picture opportunities for almost 20 minutes. And my my, was it cute! According to Georgina Shannon of the Sea Life Trust Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Aayla is frequently discovered by underwater viewers, and she simply likes mingling with people and dogs. Although she seemed to particularly enjoy Stanley, this isn’t the first time Aayla has made friends with a dog.“We are often sent photos from our guests who have captured Aayla interacting with their dogs!”

The dachshund had his ears tucked into a snoot due to the cold, and it is believed that this is why Aayla thought Stanley was another seal. She started imitating some actions, such as waving at the dog and cocking her head to the side like most dogs do. Georgina Shannon clarified, “You can see from the photos she was really interested in him and spent a long time looking at him through the glass.”

Owner Talbot of the dachshund said, “It seemed like we were pals at first sight.” They appeared to be whispering to one another because of the way they were booping their noses at the glass. They then posed for the camera, with Aayla’s head tilt making her appear more like a dog than a seal. The owner said that she had been informed that dachshunds frequently sleep with their legs tucked up, giving them the appearance of seals. And why wouldn’t these two be pals at first sight when you stop to think about it? They are both puppies after all!

A nonprofit called the Sea Life Trust Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek, Cornwall rescues and treats ill, hurt, or disturbed seals as well as other marine creatures. When the animals are healthy again, they try to release them, but if that is not feasible, they offer them a permanent home at the sanctuary. One of the numerous animals that have been saved and given new homes here is Aayla.