Ratan Tata dies at 86: A look at the business tycoon’s love and compassion for dogs

Through his Instagram posts, Tata frequently urged his followers to extend their care to strays, helping find homes for abandoned animals and even blood donors for those in need. In one such endearing post made in June this year, Tata asked his followers for a blood donor for a seven-month-old dog in urgent need of a transfusion. His request was met with an outpouring of generosity, and four dog parents stepped up to save the life of a stray.

 

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In another post he made later, Tata thanked the dog parents and the dogs for the gesture.

 

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In another post, Tata shared a plea about an abandoned dog. He wrote, “My office has found an abandoned/lost dog last night at Sion Hospital, Mumbai. If you are his guardian or have any leads, please email reportlostdog@gmail.com with some evidence of ownership. Meanwhile, he is in our care and is being treated for his wounds.”

While the dog was under his care, Tata ensured it received the necessary medical treatment.

 

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Perhaps one of the most touching moments came when Tata appealed for help to find a family for Sprite, a paralysed dog recovering from an accident. In his caption, Tata expressed his gratitude for the community’s support in the past and asked them once more to open their hearts. He wrote, “You have helped me generously and successfully twice before and for that I am grateful. I am requesting you to help me once again to find a loving family for Sprite, who has been through a lot and his hind legs are paralysed after an accident. The adoption link is in the bio.”

 

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In 2020, he shared a photo with his dogs. “A few heartwarming moments with the adopted Bombay House dogs this Diwali, especially Goa, my office companion,” he wrote.

 

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Welcoming dogs as a policy at Taj hotels

A few months ago on LinkedIn, user Rubi Khan shared a touching story from her visit to the Taj Mahal Hotel. There, she came across a dog resting comfortably in a quiet corner. She soon learned that the dog wasn’t a stray but a long-time resident, lovingly looked after by the hotel staff. This compassionate act, she mentioned, was thanks to Tata’s directives to all the properties.

“We often speak about inclusion, biases, psychological safety, and emotional intelligence. I witnessed all these principles in action here. It’s a fine balance of head and heart, being authentic, and not worrying about what others might think as they enter this esteemed property,” she wrote in her post.

Ratan Tata’s legacy of care: Opening a small animal hospital in Mumbai

On July 1 2024, Tata’s dream of creating a specialised facility for animals became a reality with the inauguration of the Tata Trusts Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai. The hospital shared the announcement on its official social media platforms, receiving warm responses from celebrities and netizens alike.

 

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Ratan Tata’s deep affection for animals is a vital aspect of his legacy. His vision for the Small Animal Hospital reflects his dedication to giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves.