Animals touch our lives as well as our hearts and souls—whether they have fins, wings or fur, two legs or four. They love us unconditionally, teach us to play, but most important, show us how to live in the present moment.

Many of you already know much I love animals. One beautiful puppy—Koda—changed my world more than a decade ago. He has taught me so much, and because of him, I’ve given my time freely to animal charities and set up the highly successful Koda Fund. I’m a true believer in giving back for all the blessings these animals have given me.

We may be uniquely distinctive and individual souls, but there’s a commonality that binds us together—a spiritual force. The same energy that creates the stars in the sky, the same energy that courses through the Universe, is in each and every one of us…and that includes animals. As sentient beings, we’re all connected.

Bringing a pet home is a responsibility, just like raising a baby. The pet deserves all the love, care, and attention you can give, but some dog owners take things for granted. Failing to do your bit for your canine companion can have dire implications. Dogs easily fall prey to health issues and anxiety when they are ignored, and it is the last thing any pet parent would want to deal with. Fortunately, responsible pet parenting is not a lot of work. Just a little care mixed with lots of love can go a long way in keeping the canine healthy and happy over the years. Let us unveil some simple secrets that can help.

Make it a part of the family

Dog ownership is about adopting a new member for your family, so you must consider it as a commitment. Ensure that your family is happy with the decision. It expects warmth and companionship from everyone in the house, and it should get enough of both. When you bring a dog home, make sure that you have enough room indoors and in your family’s hearts.