Dino Morea is not just a model, actor, and entrepreneur but a passionate animal lover too. Dino is a proud pet parent to two adorable dogs— a Labrador named Maximus and a stray dog Ganpat— and is an investor for Pet Fed which would take place in Delhi from December 17-18. We had a quick and candid chat with Dino, where he opened up about all things related to pets. Here's an excerpt from the same.

1. Tell us about your earliest memory of owning a pet.

We had a boxer when I was 5-6 years old, so that’s the earliest memory of a pet that I remember. Then, I remember having a pet squirrel as we used to live in Bangalore and had a house with a garden, and the birds used to flock around too. I have always been fond of pets and ever since I have moved to Bombay I have had pet dogs. Currently, I have two pet dogs— one is a Labrador- Maximus and the other is a stray dog named Ganpat.

2. How did you happen to adopt the stray dog?

We had another stray (dog) and a Dalmatian, whom I lost, before we got Maximus and Ganpat in our house. There were a bunch of puppies outside my house and at that time I owned a stray dog. So, one of the pups just walked in and stayed with us and we named him 'Ganpat'. So actually, it’s he who chose us and not the other way around! Later we got Maximus.

3. Are you a dog or a cat person?

I am a dog person. I have nothing against cats, but I have always owned dogs. Cats are wonderful too.

4. You have always had pets. Do you think being a pet parent has changed you as a person?

Of course yes. One might not notice it but having a pet has a tremendous effect on you. Having a pet has a calming effect on the pet parent and of course the unconditional love that you receive from your dog, that’s something we learn from them... You feel less stressed as a person when you own a pet. I mean, you come back home after a long tiring day with all this weight on your shoulders, but seeing your pet just takes all the stress away.

5. Talking of learning from your pets, what are the three things which you think you have learned from your pets?

(Laughs) Well that would be:

1. Being absolutely friendly and nice in general.

2. Unconditional love. Don’t expect, just give.

3. To be patient as they are just like children and they follow your commands.

In fact, dogs too have their own personalities— they too have their moods, which they sense and pick up from their owners, and they too sulk at times. For example, if I am packing my bags for a trip my dog gets to know that I am leaving and he gets upset or if I scold them for something, they understand and sit at a corner and sulk! They are just like children and they adapt to your personality. It’s strange how in the long run they pick the personalities of their owners! It’s just very uncanny.

6. What are your tips for someone who is looking forward to adopting a pet?

1. Adopt a dog according to the climate that you live in. Some breeds of dogs are just not suited to the hot Indian climate.

2. Know the space that you have in your house before getting a pet. Having a small house and getting a big dog to live in it is unfair to the pet.

3. And most importantly-- time! Owning a pet is a huge responsibility and you need to spend time with them.

7. Lastly, what are the things to look forward to at Pet Fed Delhi for someone who doesn't own a pet?

Pet Fed is an event for everyone. Even if you don’t have a pet, just come. Seeing too many pets together having a great time is surely going to bring a big smile on your face. It’s just like going to a carnival, it’s great. There are a whole lot of competitions for the pets; they would be dressed up too for the competitions... Anyone who has heard of Pet Fed should come!

Any Pet Care Tips That You Would Like To Share?