Leona Helmsley and Wealthy Dogs

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| Print | By | June 25, 2008 9:59 AM

Incredible companions, our dogs are often our best friends. They definitely possess the ability to wend their way into our hearts forever.

Leona Helmsley, the late real estate billionaire was blessed with the love of a little white Maltese named Trouble. The small ball of fur inextricably wove her way into her mistress's heart. In recognition of the deep love that they shared, Ms.Helmsley gifted Trouble with $12 million dollars, in her will through a trust fund, which ensured the continuing style to which she had become accustomed. The will was made public in surrogate court in August 2007. I can only imagine the expression on peoples' faces when this announcement was released. Talk about chins dropping!

Sadly to say however, Trouble's huge fortune, which would have given her the opportunity to live opulently in the lap of luxury, have been cut short. A Manhattan judge overturned Ms. Helmsley’s dying wishes.

The late Ms. Helmsley’s adored pooch will now only inherit $2 million so that her grandchildren, who were "overlooked" in the original will, are not left out in the cold. Ms. Helmsley's wishes for her grandson or brother to take care of the dog were not granted, so she is now residing in Florida with Carl Lekic, manager of the Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel. While this is a devastating blow, it has been noted that Mr. Lekic claims that he will be able to manage Trouble's life adequately with the remaining funds.

While most of us struggle to make end's meet, Trouble does not find herself in that CATegory and will never have to worry from where her last meal may appear. With a high-ticket life style, estimating projected expenses, Mr. Lekic set aside funds to last 10 years, twice Trouble's expected life span. The multimillionaire Maltese's annual expenses run in the neighborhood of $190.000, according to Lekic. Included in her budget is $60,000 for Lekic's guardian fee, $8,000 for grooming expenses, $1,200 to pay for top brand dog food, $2,500-$18,000 for veterinary care,$3,000 for miscellaneous expenses and a whopping $100,000 is dog eared for her 24/7 security. I tell you, it is a dog's life!

What upsets me greatly is that I never had the opportunity to raise my paw to love on this pooch for the rest of her life. Hey, I live in Florida too! I would gladly take on these tasks for half the cost, in a heartbeat, makes no bones about it!

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