6th August 2025
Today marks the saddest of days at Lumpyâs Nursery & Landscape Yard, and at home by the sea. Our beloved companion, best friend, gentle giant and resident greeter, Fred the Rottweiler Rodick, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.
Born 14th August 2014, Fred gave us nearly 11 years of unconditional love, laughter, and a little chaos. He was dignified in life, and equally dignified in his final moments, departing after a short illness caused by a red blood cell condition.
Fred now rests in his favourite placeâin the back yard of his beach house on Jubilee Parade, Diamond Beach, NSW. A special spot where he once sprinted like a cheetah, swam like an Olympian, and ruled the dunes with joy and confidence.
He lived there with his humans, Jeff (Lumpy), Jen and his sister Nellie-his best mateâan 8-year-old golden retriever x poodle.
đ The Beach Was His Kingdom
Fred loved that beach. He was fearless in the surf, known to sneakily relocate beach chairs (a true talent for undermining!) and always made his presence known.
đż Fredâs Role at Lumpyâs
At our nursery, Fred was more than a mascotâhe was the official âbangâmeet and greetâ manager. He took his position beside the counter very seriously, often lying on the floor with a hopeful face and wagging tail, awaiting pats, cuddles, and hopefully a sneaky treat from a returning customer.
He made everyone feel welcome. And he made us feel loved.
đ¶ A Rottweiler of Great Taste
Fred was a character. He never ate dog foodâhe only ate human food. In fact, he developed a habit of quietly placing his big head on your lap while you were eating, silently hoping youâd share. And honestly? Most of us did.
No toy lasted more than a minuteâexcept for Spike, a spiky rubber ball Fred stole from a customerâs car (door open, customer looking the other way). Spike was eventually buried with Fred.
đ§ Fluent in âRottweiler-Englishâ
Fred was a great communicator. To the untrained ear, it may have sounded like barking... but those who knew him understood every word. Especially Lumpy and Jen, who had a special bond and could decipher his every expression and rumble.
đŸ Lessons from Klaud
Fred was lucky to learn from the bestâhis older Rottweiler brother, Klaud, who passed away at age 7. Klaud wasnât just a dogâhe was a higher spirit, a master of the fine art of door-opening, which he lovingly passed on to Fred.
𧏠Fred's Legacy
Fredâs DNA (yes, really!) was saved in a bottle, cut from his tail. And while cloning might sound far-fetched, trust usâyou wouldnât be disappointed.
Because Fred wasnât just a dog.
He was family.
He was staff.
He was a soulmate.
He was Keeper of the Beach.
Fred weighed a glorious 60kg and lived a full life. By human years, thatâs 85.
Good effort, Fred.
Youâll always be part of Lumpyâs.
We miss you already.
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