Knowing and being a part of Freddie’s life was a gift. He taught me so much. I have constantly witnessed and admired his strength, loyalty, goofiness, persistence, charm, and intense love for those he held close. Every day for the past 5.5 years, I have started my day with Freddie, who was a constant source of joy, laughs, and smiles. When I first brought Freddie to the sanctuary, he quickly let me know he was in charge, and I was happy to oblige. He immediately let me know he wanted to live with his friends Tito, Sally Sue, and Florence. And so he became their loyal, chatty, and nosey neighbor. His bond with them, in particular Sally Sue, who was his best friend, and Tito, was undeniable. her.
Freddie and I had a special bond. For the first couple of years Freddie was with me, after the chickens put themselves to bed, Freddie would walk into the yard, quack and wait for me to join him. This was our summer evening routine. We would walk the yard, and Freddie would forage, or he would “help” me with yard work. Often, I would sit on the ground, and he would stand nearby, and we’d watch the sun go down. Or he’d play with my shoes. He also liked to have a bath before bed, but was never one to put himself in the big pool. So, I would pick him up, put him in the pool, and he’d flap, zoom, and groom while I watched over him.
Freddie was profoundly loyal and a caregiver to those he held dear. He offered friendship to everyone. Freddie was our welcome committee. He immediately connected with Turtle, who became his best duck friend. Freddie immediately understood Forrest is an Alpha duck and it’s best to let Forrest think he is in charge. He, not by choice, was Angel’s projector. Freddie was the only duck that Brie trusted and felt safe with.
I’ve been a part of Freddie’s life since 12:30 am, November 27th, 2018. He was rescued with his partner Ruby, whom he protected with his life. I vowed then, as I do with all of the rescues, that I will do everything in my power for Freddie to thrive and be happy. I would fight for him until he tells me he is ready to move on. Thursday, March 5th, 2026, was the day Freddie was released from his body that was no longer able to support and care for him. He had one last swim, lots of watermelon with Turtle, and one last 15 minute snuggle with his human (me).
It has been almost 4 weeks since his passing and his friends and I miss him dearly. His absence is felt not just by me but by Turtle, Tito, and Angel. But his spirit and the joy he brought are still with us. Freddie was buried in our native plant garden alongside Brie, Sally Sue, and Florence. He is also with Ruby, his first love, whose ashes I added alongside Freddie in his grave. Freddie will always be a part of me. I will always smile as I remember his quack, the sound of his feet walking across the pavement, his exaggerated waddle, how he would bathe in his water bowl, him playing in the sprinkler, and when he would run to come join his friends and me. I will always love and remember him.
Jennifer (aka Freddie’s mom)