Fred, a 10-year-old Labrador living at Mountfitchet Castle in Stansted, England, has recently become a local hero — not for guarding the grounds, but for stepping up as a surrogate dad to nine orphaned ducklings.
The ducklings were left alone after their mother suddenly vanished last week. A caring castle staff member brought them to Fred, who immediately took them under his paw and became their foster father.
The adorable scene of the ducklings hitching rides on Fred’s back quickly won hearts. Under his watchful eye, the little ones swim in the castle’s moat and nap together in the grass when the sun is shining.
“He’s a wonderful dog,” said Jeremy Goldsmith, Fred’s owner. “The children adore him. He’s fully embraced his new role and has put everything else aside to care for his little flock.”
Local officials hope Fred will continue his fatherly duties until the ducklings are ready to be independent — but for now, they’re one happy, if unlikely, family.
