Meet Fred, a 10-year-old extremely lovable labrador in charge of guarding the Mountfitchet Castle in Essex.

He grew up with his humans Jo and Jeremy Goldsmith, but also with a variety of rescued animals who have usually been through a lot in the past.

One day, staff at the castle found nine lost ducklings wandering around all alone with no mom in sight. This is when Fred’s paternal instinct kicked in.

The moment he saw the little ducklings all huddled together, he immediately laid down around them to keep them warm.

He instantly took them in and adopted the role of their mother. He looks after them day and night and even swims with them in the castle moat every day.

The ducklings have bonded well with him too, and they follow him everywhere he goes, they all even sleep together in the same basket.

They really are one happy family, it doesn’t seem like the difference in species has affected their relationship. They are still a real family with real love.

“He took to his role like a duck to water. Fred has got an absolutely wonderful nature. They absolutely love him.”

Jeremy Goldsmith

“Fred indicated straight away that there would be no ducking out of his duties as he settled in around them. Within minutes the ducklings accepted their odd looking new mum and were climbing all over him.”

Jeremy Goldsmith