In a conversation with Financial Express.com, Gul Panag talks about mindfulness lessons she has learnt from her pets.

Gul Panag balances her work, motherhood, and pet parenting with effortless grace. The former Miss India, an actor, an activist, a mother, and a pet parent to three lovely dogs – Vegas, Gina, and Daku, Panag loves to spend time with her dogs, especially over long walks. These moments have deepened her appreciation for life. She believes dogs are true teachers when it comes to enjoying small things and live in the present moment. Observing life just as a dog can change perspectives, help you prioritise what matters, and be full of joy.

Lessons from my pets
Panag believes it’s the little moments that make life worthwhile, and dogs are the best at reminding us of that.

“Your pets teach you that every day is a new day and that you shouldn’t carry forward a bad day to the next day; you should always live in the moment and be grateful for small things. A pet or a dog will get distracted from their discomfort if they see a squirrel or live in the moment. They greet you every time you walk into the doorway of the house even if you are walking through that door for the third or the fourth time in one day. Life is really about this, this moment where you and I are having this conversation. Because we do not know about the next moment. If I am living in the moment like a dog does, life will be truly joyful,” Panag tells Financial Express.com.

What dogs expect from us
The doting pet parent says our canine friends need our time and attention, and that we should never deprive them of quality time. She also reveals a special pet care rituals she swears by.

“They want us to be for them what they are to us. We often don’t spend enough time with our pets. Just like we take out time for our child, we should be doing that for them as well. A pet is effectively like a 7-year-old child for the rest of their life. They need our time and attention. We have to be mindful that they are not furniture and make sure we make that effort. I try and walk my dogs in the morning and evening myself, and make it a long walk. It is one of my rituals,” added Panag.

How to understand your dog better
“I think one has to be aware of them in the same way you are aware about your child. Having a pet is a responsibility,” she concludes.