In a case of love beyond species, a Labrador, named Fred has become mother to nine orphaned yellow ducklings.
The 10-year-old pooch has taken to his new job with élan after the youngsters’ mum was likely eaten by a fox.
The family that lives in Mountfitchet Castle in Essex noticed the ducklings alone and worried what might happen to them.
It was then that Fred stepped in.
The family who own a model Norman village are known for rescuing animals and said it was very much like Fred to step in.
It turns out that the ducks have bonded pretty well with Fred and follows him into the moat when he goes swimming. The ducklings follow his lead like they would if their mother was around.
This is not the first time, however, that Fred has bonded with a rescue animal.
In 2017, Jeremy and his wife took in an injured squirrel which was found at the side of the road and nicknamed the creature Fleabag.
Fleabag spent a good six months in the family’s kitchen, recovering, often with Fred right by his side.
