Fred, a 10-year-old yellow Labrador, has captured hearts worldwide by adopting nine orphaned ducklings and caring for them as his own. The heartwarming photos have become an internet sensation.
When the baby ducks were discovered wandering around Mountfitchet Castle in Stansted, Essex, United Kingdom, Fred stepped up as their protector.
Watch the video at the end
On May 21, the castle’s official Facebook account shared an endearing video of the unusual family, captioned, “Nine lives for nine ducklings. Fred, the resident dog at the Castle, stepped up to the challenge when nine little ducklings became orphaned last Thursday.”
According to the post, the ducklings’ mothers had vanished, and a staff member found them roaming the castle grounds unattended.
Although the team was concerned for the ducklings’ wellbeing, Fred quickly took on the role of their guardian and has been watching over them ever since.
The video has received over 27,000 views and an outpouring of appreciation for Fred’s actions. One Facebook user commented, “If a dog and ducklings can show love with the diversity of their non-human lives, then ALL humans should be able to do the same. Fred is proof that it does not take much to show that love begins with just being there for one another.”
Fred’s story has spread across social media, with users humorously suggesting that the ducklings might grow up to bark. Praise for Fred’s kind-hearted nature abounds, with many dubbing him a “good boy.”