Ratan Tata ANd His Love For Pets (Image;ratantata)
Since Ratan Tata died at the age of 86 on October 9, 2024, his random memories left on the earth have caught everyone’s eye, not just because he was a renowned business leader but also a passionate animal lover. He cared for animals, especially dogs, and have seen him contributing a lot to the welfare of pets.
Tata’s love for animals was evident at the Tata Group’s headquarters Bombay House, where stray dogs were welcomed and cared for a long period. He built a dedicated kennel on the premises and provided amenities like a bathing area, bunk beds, and climate-controlled blinds. This was inspired by Ratan Tata’s encounter with a stray dog struggling in the rain outside one of his buildings which was mentioned during an interview.
One notable instance of Tata’s love for animals was when he skipped receiving a lifetime achievement award from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace to care for his ailing dog. Later, King Charles praised Tata’s decision, saying, “That’s a man. That’s the man Ratan is.” It was a major incident that displayed his immense love for dogs and other animals.
Ratan Tata & Prince Charles , Ratan Tata had a heart of gold 💛, pls see this clip below 👇 #RatanTata @Suhelseth pic.twitter.com/OM0AQLo9at
— LegallySpeakingTarun (@Tarunnangia) October 9, 2024
Ratan Tata opened India’s first Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai in July 2023, a state-of-the-art facility offering specialised treatments and 24/7 emergency care. This not-for-profit hospital was born out of Tata’s personal experience struggling to find adequate care for his own dogs. The hospital plans to expand its services to include specialised surgeries and care for stray dogs partnering with NGOs like Welfare of Stray Dogs. The doctors and employees stated that Ratan Tata’s philanthropic vision and commitment to animal welfare will continue to make an impact through this initiative.
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When he was planning to forefront the hospital initiative in February he was on a mission to save every pet that lacked care and adequate facilities. He said: “Pets are our family, and their lives matter to every pet parent. When I looked around and saw the lack of infrastructure for pets in India, it made me wonder why, in such a large country with a significant pet population, we cannot have a facility that can save lives and make pets’ lives better.”
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When we look at his social media handles, most of his posts connected abandoned to abandoned animals and puppies that needed urgent help and care. On June 26, 2024, he wrote on Instagram seeking aid to collect blood for a puppy.
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He even took care of random stray dogs that he met out of the blue, and in May 2024, he wrote on Instagram: “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.”
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He saw dogs as his companions as he spent a lot of time with dogs. Many of his social media posts witnessed his kindness and admiration towards animals and pets apart from his acumen and business insights.
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However, his photos with dogs from childhood also showed his love for pets as he once shared a heartwarming post with his brother holding a puppy reminiscing his childhood days. He wrote: “Those were happy days. Nothing came between us.
(1945 with my brother Jimmy).”
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Ratan Tata‘s love for animals is a central part of his enduring legacy. His Animal Hospital and his love for pets ensure that creatures who cannot speak for themselves received care and compassion from a legend who stood for them against all odds and health issues. Despite his presence, this legacy will be remembered for generations to come which will leave a profound mark on his love and compassion for animals.
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