Ratan Tata was deeply committed to the well-being of abandoned pets, focusing on their safety, especially during the monsoon season when stray dogs frequently take refuge beneath vehicles.
New Delhi:
Ratan Tata, renowned industrialist, philanthropist, and devoted dog lover, passed away yesterday in Mumbai at the age of 86. In honor of his legacy, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across government offices in Maharashtra.
A strong advocate for stray animal welfare, Ratan Tata was deeply compassionate towards dogs, particularly concerned with the safety of abandoned pets. He was especially dedicated to protecting stray dogs during the monsoon season, a time when they often seek shelter under cars.
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At his funeral, his beloved dog, ‘Goa,’ was present to bid a final farewell to Mr. Tata. There is an interesting story behind why he chose to name the dog ‘Goa.’
During a visit to Goa, Ratan Tata encountered a stray dog that began following him. Moved by the bond, he decided to adopt the dog and bring him back to Mumbai. He named him ‘Goa,’ and the dog now resides at the Bombay House, alongside other adopted stray dogs.
Much like the iconic Taj Hotel, the Bombay House—a historic building that serves as the Tata Group’s headquarters—opens its doors to stray dogs, reflecting Tata’s compassion for animals.
The caretaker of ‘Goa’ shared, “He has been with us for the past 11 years. The security guards brought him back from Goa when we went there for a picnic. Ratan Tata was very fond of him.”
Ratan Tata had a profound bond with dogs. In 2018, he was set to receive a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Royal Family, presented by King Charles III (then Prince Charles) at an event hosted by the British Asian Trust. The ceremony was intended to honor Tata for his philanthropic work. Although he initially confirmed his attendance, Tata chose to stay home to care for his ailing dog. Businessman Suhel Seth shared the story, recalling Tata’s explanation: “Tango and Tito, my dogs—one of them has fallen terribly ill. I can’t leave him and come.”
Among Tata’s many initiatives was the creation of the Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai (SAHM), a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to animal care. This project, close to his heart, reflected his commitment to improving the well-being of stray animals and pets, ensuring they received the best care possible.