Your furry friend deserves nothing less in the world. Whether he is your cuddle buddy or the picture 'paw'-fect partner, your four-legged mate deserves the best. Everyone isn't aware of the joy and happiness that a pet can bring into your lives or how you can evolve and grow while building a bond and relationship with your pet. On similar interests, we got into a very candid conversation with Bollywood actress Karishma Tanna about her love for pets as she launched India's first tech-enabled integrated pet care platform, Zigly. From opening up about her love for pets to keeping herself sane during the pandemic due to her furry friend, we caught up with the actress as she launched the flagship store of Zigly in the national capital.
NDTV Swirlster: You have been quite open about your love for pets, is it something that you have always been fond of?
Karishma Tanna: My love for pets has always been from the start but more focus has come in ever since I got Koko and it has been four years now. I have always been a dog lover but after Koko, I have become more sensitive towards them; even cats for that matter. I used to be a dog lover previously from a distance like I used to give them food or water, whatever they needed but now I am more protective towards them and that's for every dog, be it somebody else's pet or strays.
NDTV Swirlster: The pandemic has been quite traumatising for everyone; do you think pet support made it a little easier to survive? What has been your personal experience as a pet parent during that phase?
Karishma Tanna: Absolutely! My two years I have been sane just because of Koko. Otherwise, you just simply get depressed, lonely and you have anxiety because you are sitting at home all day. Who could have thought that something like this would have happened to the world. The work stops and then you have to be continuously at home and obviously you are not used to it. The only breed which has kept me happy, positive and sane is my Koko. Koko is my love, my lifeline. I have felt a positive change and during that time I used to literally go in the car wearing my mask and gloves and have given food to strays
NDTV Swirlster: With apps or platforms like Zigly, do you think pet care has become easier?
Karishma Tanna: Totally! It has become a lot easier. I am really happy that now there is an online app where you can simply buy stuff for your pet. Being a part of this collaboration is something that I am really proud of.
Karishma Tanna at the launch of Zigly
NDTV Swirlster: There are times when new pet parents aren't able to make a form with their pet? Are there any specific tips for beginners or new pet parents to keep in mind?
Karishma Tanna: There are a certain set of things that I have personally learned. They should not give their pets anything and everything to eat. You just cannot take your pets for granted at all. If they show you some certain signs of not doing something, then pet parents should definitely respect that. As a matter of fact, a lot of people take their dog as a toy and personally I do not practice that so I would suggest new pet parents to respect their pet and give their extra attention to them.
NDTV Swirlster: Did you have any other pets before Koko? When was the first time you got a pet?
CommentsKarishma Tanna: I had a dog 8-10 years ago, which was a birthday present from a friend but I couldn't keep it so I had to give it to my cousin. I couldn't take care of him because I was shooting and was busy so I gave it. I was really upset with the whole thing that I wasn't able to give time but then soon after that I got my own pet.
