Scottish fisherman Patrick Williamson was taking his dog for a walk on Irvine Beach in Ayrshire when the dog suddenly dropped its ball to inspect a small piece of ambergris.
Ambergris is a rock-like waxy secretion that sperm whales produce over several years from indigestible bits of the sea creatures they eat. The ambergris is thought to be vomited out, although scientists aren't exactly sure how the whales expel it (so it could also be a type of whale poop).
Whatever the disgusting substance it is, it can be quite valuable and is used in products that come with a hefty price tag, like medicines and perfumes.
Williamson said of his dog's find:
I work on a fishing boat, so I knew what ambergris was. I've never seen it before, but I've heard stories about it.
Lucky for him, he knew what it was because I definitely would have walked around anything I saw on the beach looking like this:
The chunk that Williamson's dog found was only 5½ ounces, but earlier this year a 21-pound piece was found and valued at nearly $480,000.
An ordinary walk on the beach with his very good doggo could earn him a few thousand extra bucks!
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