Dog and duck become inseparable companions in Minnesota

Nov. 3 (UPI) -- A Minnesota dog mourning the loss of its canine companion found solace in a new and surprising friendship -- with a duck.

Patrick and Kirsten Riley of Strout said their now-12-year-old husky, Max, lost his fellow canine Sasha a few years ago, and soon started showing a fascination with their new duckling, Quackers.

"He was without any friends, and so Max would sit next to his pen all the time and I think they just kind of bonded that way," Patrick Riley told WCCO-TV. "After we let him out, they just never left each other's side."

Kirsten Riley said Max's affection was mutual.

"[Quackers] just took a liking to Max," she told the Hutchinson Leader. "They've been inseparable ever since. He never leaves Max's side."

Neighbors said its become a regular sight to see the dog and 4-year-old duck enjoying each other's company.

"Sometimes on my way home I actually hope they're out there because they're just too precious to look at," neighbor Alisa Godejahn said.

The Rileys said Max and Quackers are rarely if ever apart.

"They sleep together, they eat together, they drink together, they go for walks together down the road. Everything is together," Kirsten Riley said.

"Some people have said that a duck will find a mate, a companion, and once they have that companion they're set," she said. "And that's what Quackers found with Max."