Some may remember the story from last year about a kind Labrador that decided to serve as a foster parent to a group of ducklings. This dog had adopted nine ducklings before and is now back in the foster parent game. He’s found six new ducklings to add to his family. From the looks of it, they are all very happy together. Fred the dog was already famous.

Now, his level of fame is only going to increase. His last set of ducklings may have flown the nest but these ducklings are here to fill the parenting void. Essex residents know Fred as the resident pet at Mountfitchet Castle. The staffers at Mountfitchet Castle are enjoying watching him in action as a parent. This castle was once a Iron Age hill fort.

This wooden castle has been through a lot over the course of its lifespan. It was even a Roman signals fort. William the Conqueror attacked this castle back in 1066 as well. That was back then when this castle served as a settlement for the Vikings and Saxons. “He took to his role like a duck to water”, says Jeremy Goldsmith. He serves as the director for the castle.

This dog’s kind and loving nature makes him a perfect candidate for parenting. A Muscovy duck had been responsible for these ducklings initially. However, she wandered away with the rest of their siblings and never came back. Fred was willing to step in right away, though. These ducklings never had to miss out on the love that a parent can provide.

He is devoted to the task and even lets the ducklings lay down on top of him to keep warm. Fred is never going to abandon his post. He is one of the most dedicated fathers that we have ever seen. These ducklings’ new mother might be odd to look at but he is all they have. Luckily for us, Mountfitchet Castle is sharing footage of the dog and his ducklings on their Instagram page.

We cannot get enough of these ducklings and their new father. Imagine how fun it would be to watch these ducklings climb all over Fred.