N Chandrasekaran recalls Ratan Tata's concern with Tata HQ renovation: 'Where will the dogs go?'

Ratan Tata with N Chandrasekaran in a throwback picture shared by the Tata Sons chairman. Chandrasekaran explained that dogs were an integral part of the headquarters, Bombay House, and were often seen at the reception. (Right) Ratan Tata with his dogs at Bombay House. (Image credit: LinkedIn, Instagram)

Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran shared a touching tribute to his late mentor Ratan Tata on Monday, highlighting how the smallest details mattered the most to him. Chandrasekaran recalled that when he wanted to renovate Tata Sons' headquarters Bombay House in 2017, the first question Tata asked was what would happen to the dogs living there.

"Bombay House had not been touched since 1924, and more important (as many people told me) Mr. Tata would not like it. 'Bombay House is a temple,' I was told, emphasising its sanctity," Chandrasekaran wrote on LinkedIn. "When I finally mentioned to Mr. Tata about Bombay House, he said, 'May I ask you something? When you say renovate, do you mean vacate?' I explained that we planned to move everyone to a nearby office. He gently clarified: 'Where will the dogs go?'"

Chandrasekaran explained that the dogs were an integral part of Bombay House, often seen at the reception. He informed Ratan Tata that they would build a kennel for them. When the renovation was complete, the first thing the industrialist wanted to check was the kennel.

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"He was very happy to see how thoughtful the kennel’s design was, and how well the dogs would be cared for," the Tata Sons' head recalled. "Seeing his happiness with the kennel and his priorities was a reminder that while big projects are important, it’s the details that reveal how we think, what we prioritise, and how we are perceived. His joy was confirmation that we had done the right thing."

Ratan Tata died on October 9 in Mumbai. He was 86.

His compassion for animals was well-known, and his philanthropic efforts extended beyond business into animal welfare. One such instance that captured his love for dogs occurred in 2018, when he cancelled a trip to London to receive a prestigious lifetime achievement award from Prince Charles (now King Charles III). The reason for his decision was the grave illness of one of his dogs, leading Tata to prioritise his pet's health over the award ceremony.

Suhel Seth, a close friend of Tata, shared the incident, recounting Tata's words: "Tango and Tito, my dogs—one of them has fallen terribly ill. I can’t leave him and come." Prince Charles, upon hearing this, reportedly expressed admiration, noting that it reflected Tata’s character and values.

Tata’s commitment to animal welfare took a concrete shape in 2023 when he opened India’s first Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai, a project that had been years in the making. Spread across 98,000 square feet, the facility is equipped with advanced technology, including ICUs, CT scans, and specialised treatment options. The hospital also plans to cater to stray dogs, partnering with the NGO Welfare of Stray Dogs to provide sterilisation and care services. Tata’s personal experiences, including struggling to find adequate care for one of his own dogs, motivated him to build this state-of-the-art facility.

The Small Animal Hospital, a Rs 165 crore not-for-profit venture, represents Tata’s vision for improving animal care in India. Managed by the Advanced Veterinary Care Foundation (AVCF), the facility has already garnered praise from pet owners and animal welfare advocates. Dr. Thomas Heathcote, Chief Veterinary Officer and CEO of AVCF, described the opening of the hospital as "one of the most exhilarating experiences of my career," recognising the hospital's potential to serve thousands of animals around the clock.