For as long as Keandra McNeil has had her dog, Gus, she’s tried everything to ease his separation anxiety — calming treats, music, toys, even training. But no matter what she did, the moment she left home, Gus panicked.
Then, out of sheer desperation, McNeil decided to try something a little… unusual.
She ordered a life-sized human mannequin from Spirit Halloween, hoping — however unlikely — that Gus might see it as a friend.
When she first unboxed the doll, she immediately regretted it.
“It looked so creepy,” McNeil said with a laugh. “But I figured I’d try anyway.”
So she gave the mannequin a name — Fred — and introduced him to Gus like an old buddy returning from vacation.
“Hey, bud! Nice of you to visit,” she said in a video for The Dodo.
To her astonishment, Gus walked right over, climbed into Fred’s lap, and snuggled up like they’d known each other for years.
That night, McNeil decided to test it out for real. Before heading to work, she sat Fred in Gus’ favorite spot — the bathroom. Hours later, she checked her dog cam, expecting to see Gus pacing or barking.
Instead, Gus was peacefully curled up beside Fred.
No barking. No stress. Just calm.
“Part of me was thrilled,” McNeil said. “The other part was like, ‘My dog is best friends with a fake man.’”
Still, Gus was so happy that McNeil couldn’t take Fred away. McNeil could tell how happy Fred made Gus, so she started taking him everywhere, including in the car.
Now, the two are inseparable — they hang out at home, ride in the car together, and even share space with McNeil’s cat, Doug, who’s also grown fond of Fred.
“He’s growing on me too, honestly,” McNeil admitted.
Sure, having a mannequin roommate turns a few heads, but McNeil doesn’t mind. Gus is finally calm — and that’s what matters most.
“I guess this creepy little white guy is sticking around,” she said with a smile.
To keep up with Keandra, Gus, and Fred’s adventures, you can follow them on TikTok.
