Culture / Celebrities

World’s richest dog dies

Leona Helmsley’s pampered pooch “Trouble,” who inherited $12 million from the real estate mogul, has died at the age of 12. Helmsley bought the beloved pet for comfort after the death of her husband, billionaire hotelier Harry Helmsley. The pampered pooch had led a life of luxury after her owner purchased her at a New […]

Jun 14, 2011 | By Luxuo

Trouble the Dog

Leona Helmsley’s pampered pooch “Trouble,” who inherited $12 million from the real estate mogul, has died at the age of 12.

Helmsley bought the beloved pet for comfort after the death of her husband, billionaire hotelier Harry Helmsley.

The pampered pooch had led a life of luxury after her owner purchased her at a New York City pet shop and chauffeured her around in a stretch limo.

Helmsley, who died in 2007, cut two grandchildren out of her will and evicted her son’s widow after his death, left part of her fortune to the dog – although a judge later reduced it to $2million.

After Helmsley’s death, Trouble moved to Florida and has since been cared for by Carl Lekic, the general manager of one of Helmsley’s hotels in Sarasota.

Her caretaker spent $100,000 annually on her care — including $8,000 for grooming and $1,200 for dog food.

Trouble, who had faced 20 to 30 death and kidnapping threats, also retained a full-time security guard, according to news reports.

Among the various testamentary disposition of her mistress was also requested that the bones of his beloved little dog were laid in the family mausoleum, but it was eventually decided on cremation.

The funds held in trust for her care have reverted to the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust for charitable purposes.

Although leaving a dog millions of dollars might seem ridiculous to some, Helmsley isn’t alone in her choice.

Heiress Gail Posner left her $8.3 million home and $3 million trust to her dogs, and Oprah’s pets will reportedly inherit $30 million from the media maven.

Sources: NydailynewsAbcnewsWashingtonpost

Leona Helmsley dog Trouble


 
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