Labrador who took in nine orphaned ducklings adopts six more

Fred the lab in two photos with his ducklings resting on his body
Fred’s a new dad, again (Picture: Mountfitchet Castle/SWNS)

Fred is a very good boy.

Last year, the golden labrador decided to become a stand-in parent for nine ducklings after their mother disappeared without a trace (it was suspected that she was attacked by a fox).

After his new-found fuzzy kids grew up and flew the coup, Fred stumbled across a second set of ducklings who needed his help.

The six birds were abandoned by their mother, a Muscovy duck, who walked off with six of their siblings.

FILE PIC FROM 2018. Fred the Labrador with his adopted ducklings at Mountfitchet Castle near Stansted, Essex. See SWNS copy SWCAducklings: A Labrador which touched the heart of the nation last year after adopting nine ducklings is back to his old tricks with six new fledglings to look after. Fred the Labrador hit the headlines after becoming a stay-at-home parent for nine baby orphaned ducklings when their mother vanished. But after seeing them all fly the nest, Fred has once again found himself fostering a second set of doting ducklings.
The family having a little tanning session (Picture: Mountfitchet Castle/SWNS)

That’s when Fred bravely stepped up, once again.

The 11-year-old dog noticed the ducklings huddled together and laid down next to them to keep them warm and safe.

Soon enough, the ducklings started to climb on top of his back and one brave bird even took a seat on Fred’s head.

‘He took to his role like a duck to water,’ said Jeremy Goldsmith, director of Mountfitchet Castle near Stansted, Essex, where Fred is the resident pet.

‘Fred has got an absolutely wonderful nature. They absolutely love him.’

Fred the lab with his ducklings
He’s got six new ducklings (Picture: Mountfitchet Castle/SWNS)

Make sure your pet is in good company. Pets get lonely and depressed just like people do when they spend too much time alone. Cats are generally better on their own, but dogs and especially puppies don’t do well left to their own devices for extended periods of time.

Fred the labrador lying on the grass and chilling out with his ducklings resting on his back and head
One duckling decided to perch on his head (Picture: Mountfitchet Castle/SWNS)

‘Fred indicated straight away that there would be no ducking out of his duties as he settled in around them,’ said Jeremy.

‘Within minutes the ducklings accepted their odd looking new mum and were climbing all over him.’

Hopefully the ducklings’ mother will return soon to look after her young, but until then, Fred’s got them covered.

Such a good boy.

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