When we think of those leading the most privileged of lives, we don’t often think of dogs. Dogs have been loyal companions for hundreds of years, and some of the wealthiest people have taken that companionship seriously enough to ensure their pooches were well cared for after they were gone while others have chosen to spoil their pets beyond the wildest of imaginations.
Some of the wealthiest dogs on record are discussed below:
Leona Helmsley
One of the wealthiest dogs in the world, belonged to Leona Helmsley, Helmsley bought her dog named Trouble as a source of companionship after the death of her husband, Harry Helmsley.
While Trouble was a pet, Trouble lived a luxurious lifestyle alongside her owner, knowing such privileges’ as being chauffeured around daily in a stretch limo.
Before Leona’s death, she had become quite distanced from most relatives and friends. As a result of this distance, Leona willed over $12 million dollars to her dog. That amount was later challenged and lowered to $2 million by the courts. This unusual inheritance made news headlines around the world. Leona was also in the news in 1989 for tax evasion; media sources began calling Helmsley “Queen of Mean”.
In her will, Leona left millions with her brother for the sole purpose of caring for her precious little princess pup. After his refusal to adhere to the conditions, Trouble was flown by private jet to the Sandcastle Hotel, in Sarasota, Florida, where Carl Lekic would become the canine caretaker 24 hours a day, until the dog’s demise.
Trouble had numerous health problems before her death at the age of twelve. The biggest health concern was the fact she’d grown blind. Trouble lived 84 long lush life dog years.
Countess Karlotta Libenstein
Gunther III was a German Shepherd owned by the Countess Karlotta Libenstein of Germany. Upon her death, the loving companion was willed $106 million in a trust. Over a period of years the money was invested. When Gunther IV came along the trust had grown to more than $372 million.
Oprah Winfrey
As we all know, Oprah is very attached to her dogs, there have been numerous articles’ and pictures of them in just nearly every magazine in the world. Why would we be surprised to know she has named them in her will, to the tune of $30 million, for their care?
Ella Wendel
Ella Wendel, died at 80, she was the last and youngest of Manhattan’s rich, eccentric, land-owning Wendels. When she passed, she still lived in the famed old Wendel house at 39th Street and Fifth Avenue. Ella stayed in the house, so her dogs would always have room to run and play.
Friends said Ella chose seclusion over the years and seemed happy with her decision, throughout her life she also owned a succession of French poodles, which were all named Tobey, as companions.
In Ella’s will Tobey was left $92 million, so that he would be well cared for the rest of his life.
Susan Wright often writes articles on the proper care of domestic pets. Susan is the staff expert on dog bark collars for DogFenceDIY.com
