Diver Gives Friendly Seal a Belly Rub [VIDEO]

If you think dogs and cats are the only animals who can relish a good belly rub, think again! In this video, SCUBA diver Jason Nielus treats a grey seal in the Farne Islands to a relaxing belly scratch.

Jason doesn’t pursue the seals — if he did, they would probably get scared and swim away. Instead, he remains calm and passive, holding out his camera-adorned hand and letting the seal approach him at his leisure. Just like your pet might, the seal bares his stomach and looks at Jason with irresistible “puppy dog” eyes, seeming to insist upon a belly scratch.

The seal’s sweet and contented expressions seem to remind many YouTube users of their dogs. Sometimes people think wild animals are emotionally blank compared to their beloved pets, but this video shows that seals, though widely hunted in some areas, are capable of showing emotions and empathizing with humans just like a dog or cat.

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