A dog for Dhoni

On a visit to Bangalore cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni fell in love with Misty, a pure bred weimaraner, the adored companion of Xersis Desai, former vice chairman and managing director of Titan Industries, reported The Times of India (TOI) on May 12, 2009. When Dhoni, who already has two dogs in his Ranchi home, learnt that a puppy from Misty’s litter was available, he jumped at the opportunity and is now the proud owner of 10-week-old Zoya.

"Weimaraners are a special breed and not easily available in India,” Desai informed TOI. "They are hunting dogs, originally from Germany, and were first exported to America in 1929 and to Great Britain after World War II. They are strong, athletic, fun-loving and sociable with very keen noses and ears,” he added.

An expensive breed, weimaraner pups could easily cost upward of Rs 25,000. But the man who built Titan into one of India’s leading consumer/retail brands informed TOI: "I wouldn’t dream of selling them. They are like children to me.”