Why Ned & Fred Have Ruined Me For Other Pets

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred.

You know those annoying parents who just won’t shut up about their kids? Their profile pictures are of their kids, they’re always showing you photos and videos of their kids, and they assume that everyone is as interested and excited about their kids’ daily lives as they are. Ugh, they are just the worst. And I am one of them…but my kids happen to be two Chihuahuas named Ned and Fred.

• aka Neddy & Freddy
• aka The Boyz
• aka Nederick and Frederick
• aka Helpless Ned and Broken Fred

I can finally appreciate how parents feel stressed and worried whenever they are away from their children, and can almost understand why Mr & Mrs Brady ditched their honeymoon because they missed the kids (I can almost understand, I’m not a complete psychopath).

How My Love (Obsession?) With Chihuahuas Began

When Potato (Tate), the amazing little rescue dog, joined our family in 2021, he changed our lives and introduced us to the quirky world of Chihuahuas. Sadly, Tate’s time with us was short, and he passed away in the Christmas of 2022, leaving behind a hole in my heart far greater than his physical size.

In my grief, I found a tiny (and I do mean tiny) glimmer of joy called Ned. Weighing just over one pound, this tiny creature transformed our home with his antics, affection, and helplessness. He endeared himself to anyone he met and immediately took over Tate’s role as Kodah, the Malinois x Shepherd’s, boss and playmate.

Once we’d gone through the period of crate training him overnight – something I recommend all puppy owners implement, as it ensures your little one learns to settle on their own, understands that the world doesn’t end when we leave them, and makes toilet training much easier – he migrated to our bed where he nestles against my chest all night.

Not long after Ned joined us, we learned that his cousin was in need of a home, so one chi quickly became two. Poor Kodah never knew what hit him!

Ned & Fred: Eating, Sleeping, or Up To Something

When Ned and Fred are together, adorable chaos is not far away. These boys sleep hard, eat big, and play, yip, wrestle, and chase like they are being driven by a nuclear power plant. What they lack in physical size, they more than make up for with their individual quirks, enormous personalities, and inexhaustible affection.

When they’re not burrowing under blankets in search of the perfect snooze spot, or begging for food in the kitchen, they are trying their best to create mischief and mayhem, but luckily for us, everything they do is on a very small scale.

Chihuahuas Are Small

Did you know?

Chihuahuas are small, and Ned is particularly tiny. That means everything about them (apart from the noise they can make!) is also small.

• Space requirements – small
• Food bills – small
• Insurance premiums – small
• Capacity for damage – small
• Poops – small
• Shedding level – small
• Exercise requirements – small

Even when they have accidents indoors (which, unfortunately, is one thing these tiny beasts are renowned for), it’s hard to stay mad at such a tiny nugget. What can be problematic, however, is when you find yourself in need of a good enzymatic cleaner to deal with the accumulation of tiny indoor pees that have gone unnoticed. And yet, I can never stay mad at their little faces!

Chihuahuas Are Needy

Ask anyone who has known me for more than ten years and they will tell you that I am a cat person; one that loves dogs but will always have cats. Of course, now I have five of each – living the dream!

One of the things I’ve always liked about cats is that they are low maintenance when compared to dogs. They don’t need to be let out to the toilet, they don’t need to be walked every day, and they don’t jump up and get in your face when they want attention.

But the independent nature of cats can sometimes make you feel surplus to requirement. A Chihuahua, on the other hand, always seems to be in need of help! Being picked up and carried around is not just welcomed, it is often demanded, and you know that they would not fare too well without you.

Constantly Entertained, Loved, and Needed

Not a day goes by when I don’t find myself losing time just gazing at a sleeping Ned and Fred, or laughing as they run amok. Not a day goes by when I don’t feel loved and needed by them. And not a day goes by that I don’t feel incredibly grateful that Tate needed a home, and showed me what I had been missing. No matter where I go or what I do in the future, I know that I will do it with a Chihuahua by my side.

What about you? Is there a pet that has changed your life like Potato, Ned & Fred have changed mine? Let me know in the comments section below.