It should be always that easy.  “Tilla”, one of my four dogs, is my buddy and friend.  I did not do much:  I fed him regularly and made sure he had water in his dish.  I, also, gave him a belly rub whenever he wanted.  Now he is my buddy for life.  Too bad it is not that easy with humans although getting a belly rub anytime you want is not a bad idea.  Humans can be so complicated (and dogs so easy to love).  Maybe that is why others trust dogs more than their fellow men.  They never disapprove of you or criticize you.  They are always loyal.  And always glad to see you.  And always act as if you were gone forever when you return to your house (no matter how short that period was).  You can’t beat that.