There are heart-warming-wrenching loves in life that we can't predict-

- and these Khaki Campbell ducks are one of them.

We knew they were cute, full of personality, friendly and fun...

But the connection with each one, their UNIQUE personalities, their ridiculous antics, their sneakiness, their determination to watch movies on movie night, their morning greetings and evening-good-nights...took us all by surprise.

We knew the males would reveal themselves in time as they matured and we'd need to let them go to keep our flock healthy, balanced, and aggression-free...and that time did come.

It was heartbreaking - especially for our son and his one buddy. This buddy was separated from the other two males due to intense bullying (drakes do that) - and this buddy was gentle, loving and so kind with the females - he wasn't aggressive like the other two and well - he and our son developed a wonderful bond.

And about a week later...he too landed into his drake instincts and we knew it was time for these young drakes to move on to their next home (farm).

It was the plan all along - but it still sucks and yes, grief and leaving hurts. This was their last morning together before moving to a new home.

The guy who is on the same side as the females is the “specialest” duck if we had to pick one. This series of photos is the story of the day we said goodbye to these incredible creatures.

All photos with our son in them are shared with his permission 'cause "people need to know about duck-love".