Is there anything cuter than friendships between different species? Your emotions are immediately pulled when you see two distinct animal species showing each other affection and comfort. Therefore, it makes sense why 15-year-old Labrador Fred is receiving so much attention online. People all over the world felt heartened when this loving canine adopted 15 orphaned ducklings as his own.
Living on the grounds of Essex, England’s Mountfitchet Castle are Fred and his father, Jeremy Goldsmith. On its original site, the castle now serves as a national historic monument and popular tourist destination. It is a treasure trove of living history and a well-liked destination for student field trips.
The adoring duckling, dad, discovers the abandoned flocks on the castle grounds and takes on the roles of their friend and guardian. That’s true, this kind canine parent has taken in a group of abandoned ducklings before and adopted them as his own. In actuality, this adorable dog has repeated this behavior three times.
When Fred first discovered a flock in 2018, he was only 10 years old. Fred immediately acted as an adoptive father. He handled taking care of nine adorable ducklings like a consummate pro. A year later, he took in another family of young birds.
He now has 15 gorgeous ducklings that he is raising until they are old enough to thrive on their own in 2022. Fred stepped in as their pseudo father and took on his customary role once it was clear that their mother had left the premises and they were all alone.
There are more animals in the castle than ducks. On the property are also goats, deer, sheep, peacocks, and other rescued creatures. Being around the numerous rescued animals has become second nature to Fred over the 15 years that we have owned him, according to Jeremy, Fred’s father. Fred has spent a lot of time at the castle with the animals.
Fred will continue to look after his new feathery pals until they are independent if the pattern holds as it has in the past. How fortunate they were to have such a loving dog to care for them in their mother’s absence. Have you ever witnessed anything so charming and endearing? Fred is a unique Lab!