Unlikely friendships are nothing new.

However, this full-grown golden retriever gently cuddling up to a flock of newborn chicks will surprise even the biggest animal lover.

Luckily, L.A.-based photographer, Candice Sedighan was on hand to document this unlikeliest of friendships between her dog, Champ, and her new rescue chicks.

Sedighan, who began photographing Champ eight years ago, says she loves to show his gentle side. (He has also appeared in photos alongside babies and butterflies.)

In an interview with The Daily Mail, she says that Champ’s gentleness did not come naturally, but is a result of years of “hard work.”

That hard work looks like it has paid off well.

Check out Sedighan’s work on Flickr and some photos of Champ below:

Video of Champ and his feathered pals:

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Editor: Rachel Nussbaum

Photo: Candice Sedighan, Imgur