Man Wills £91 Million Fortune to his Dog
The late Indian billionaire Ratan Tata, who passed away on October 9th at the age of 86, has reportedly left a significant portion of his £91 million estate to his beloved German Shepherd, Tito.
Tata, who never married and had no children, is survived by his brother, Jimmy Tata, and his half-sisters Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy.
While many anticipated that his fortune would be divided among his surviving family members, the billionaire surprised many with his decision to include not only his loyal canine companion but also his chef Rajan Shaw and his butler Konar Subbiah, who will continue to care for the dog.
Tito was adopted around five or six years ago, following the loss of Tata’s previous dog, also named Tito. The Sauce news reports that the beloved German shepherd was at his master’s side until his dying days, highlighting the breed’s reputation for loyalty.
Suhel Seth, a close friend of Tata, reportedly praised the billionaire’s generosity, stating, “He has made very, very generous provisions for them. They will never have to work again and they will be very well looked after.” Seth emphasized that Tata’s will reflects his gratitude for the joy and care he received from his pets and closest aides, rather than a mere display of wealth.
Tata’s love for animals was legendary. In a surprising move in 2018, he turned down a royal invitation from Prince Charles, now King Charles III, to tend to his sick dog.
In a 2021 interview, he expressed his deep affection for dogs and the pain of loosing his former German Shepherd, Tito.
“My love for dogs as pets is ever strong and will continue for as long as I live,” he was quoted saying by Yahoo News. “There is an indescribable sadness every time one of my pets passes away and I resolve I cannot go through another parting of that nature. And yet, two-three years down the road, my home becomes too empty and too quiet for me to live without them, so there is another dog that gets my affection and attention, just like the last one.”
In a 2019 Instagram post, Tata commemorated the birthday of the late German Shepherd, highlighting his compassion for animals and his respect for those who work to protect them.
“Today would be the 14th birthday of my late dog, Tito,” he shared. “I still come home to two kind souls and meet so many others in and around the office. While few have the comfort of families, many struggle on the streets, and yet somehow, their affection remains the same. Those of you who strive for the welfare of the voiceless, truly have my respect.”
While Ratan Tata’s heartwarming gesture of leaving a portion of his fortune to his beloved German Shepherd, Tito, has gained significant attention, he is not the first billionaire to extend such generosity to their furry friends.
Leona Helmsley, the notorious “Queen of Mean,” left a staggering $12 million to her dog, Trouble, in 2007. Karl Lagerfeld, the iconic fashion designer, gifted a substantial sum of $1.5 million to his cat, Choupette. And in a truly unique case, a German Shepherd named Gunther VI inherited a fortune of $80 million from his late owner, a German countess, Korlotta Liebenstein.
While these acts of kindness are heartwarming, it is essential to consider the practical aspects of pet inheritance. Naming a trusted guardian in your will is crucial to ensure your pet’s well-being after your passing. This guardian should be responsible for providing love, care, and the necessary financial resources.
By specifying the amount allocated for your pet’s needs and designating a backup guardian, you can provide peace of mind, knowing that your furry friend will be well-cared for, even in your absence.
