How many animal friendships have we seen that just melt our hearts? Probably a lot. The internet is full of cute interspecies relationships that definitely challenge our perception that humans are the only ones capable of showing compassion and inclusion of others. But our animals are quite capable of forming meaningful bonds as well – even with those outside their species. And when they do, it’s so cute. We’ve probably seen some of these bonds for ourselves in the form of animal friendships happening under our own roofs. My dog Bonita had several meaningful relationships with our cats. She was best friends with each and every one of them, especially our outdoor cat, Patch. They were nearly inseparable – except for every time he’d kick her out of her own doghouse because he wanted to nap alone on her big, cushy pillow. Bonita even wanted to become friends with the ducks that lived in the park by our house, but sadly for her, they didn’t want her friendship and would often chase her away.
But that’s not to say that dogs and ducks can’t be friends. Barclay the golden retriever and Rudy the duck are complete and total besties. The dog and duck have formed somewhat of an odd relationship, but it’s cute to see these two spend so much time together – even if the basis of their friendship was food-motivated. Rudy is one of seven ducks owned by Pam Ishiguro from Orange County. She noted that when she first got the flock of ducks, her dog Barclay was less than impressed. In fact, the pup was quite indifferent to the ducks until he discovered that friendship with them meant unlimited access to food. As their owner pointed out, Barclay loves the ducks’ food.
Regardless of how they may have initially been brought together, the duck and the dog actually love each other very much. Ishiguro pointed out that the two get along quite well – even if Rudy is more of the alpha duck in the relationship and has a habit of bossing around poor Barclay. As Ishiguro said, “They had a love-hate relationship. When they are together somebody is always chasing or jumping on someone else, but when they are apart, they’re always calling for each other.” Sounds very much like a sibling relationship.
Watch these two interact in the clip below:
What do you think of the dog and dog being friends? Let us know!
