When Ratan Tata cancelled a meeting to tend to his ailing dog

Corporate legend, national icon, Padma Vibhushan -- Ratan Tata was many things. And among them, he was also an animal and dog lover.

Soon as the news of his passing broke last night, the world of social media exploded with industry leaders, politicians, Tata Group employees, illustrious personalities sharing personal experiences with the deceased legend.

One segment that stood out in this maze was the segment in which people spoke of Ratan Tata, the animal lover.

A favourite Ratan Tata story shared across social media platforms was the one where he had cancelled a crucial meeting with senior stakeholders to tend to his ailing dog ‘Tito’.

"To those who don’t have dogs, this story may sound absurd. But for those who are dog parents and animal activists, the story touches a chord. That’s the level of purpose, passion and compassion for my babies -- my own dogs or other dogs I come across daily -- that I carry deep in my heart," said one dog lover who will remember Ratan Tata for his affections towards the most innocent and voiceless.

Other social media users commented on Ratan Tata's posts about canine blood donation, and how these helped dogs live.

Among many priceless legacies of Ratan Tata is the Tata Vet Hospital for Small Animals in Mumbai, a venture that awaits replication across Indian cities.

In fact, it was Ratan Tata's love for dogs that brought him close to Shantanu Naidu, a young MBA graduate who rose to become his most trusted aide and is currently on the Board of Directors of the Tata Vet Hospital.

Naidu, an MBA graduate from Cornell, was more than just an employee of Ratan Tata.

Their relationship began when Naidu’s initiative to create reflective collars for street dogs caught Tata’s attention.

Tata, an animal lover himself, reached out to Naidu, and from that moment, a deep friendship blossomed.

Naidu eventually became Tata’s personal assistant, working closely with him on various philanthropic projects, including the management of Tata Trusts. But beyond work, Naidu and Tata spent meaningful time together, sharing meals, stories, and moments of genuine camaraderie.

Tata often referred to Naidu as his “millennial friend,” and Naidu has spoken warmly about how Tata is more than just a business icon, he’s someone who exudes warmth, humility, and care.

Shantanu Naidu went on to write a book about his life with Ratan Tata. It was called, "I Came Upon A Lighthouse."

In his tributes to mentor Ratan Tata today, Naidu said, "The hole that this friendship has now left with me I will spend the rest of my life trying to fill. Grief is the price to pay for love."