On August 28 of this year, a white Maltese named Trouble inherited a trust fund worth $12 million dollars. Who would leave such a staggering amount to a dog? Why, Leona Helmsley, of course. The hotel and real estate mogul, who was convicted of tax evasion in 1988, left millions to her brother, children and grandchildren, though none of her human relations made out as well as her canine companion.
While Trouble is a certifiable Money Winner of 2007, life as a whole has not been peaches and cream for the little dog, who has received death threats and been the target of a lawsuit by an ex-housekeeper who claims the little pup “bit her repeatedly” while she tried to clean Ms. Helmsey’s lavish apartment in the Helmsley Park Lane Hotel.
However, while awaiting the results of the trial, Trouble will continue to live a pampered life in Florida, enjoying meals prepared by a gourmet chef, scheduled grooming and constant protection by security guards, all at the cost of $300,000 a year.
It is certainly a dog’s life.
Be sure to check out more Money Winners of 2007.
B. Brandon Barker is the author of the novel Operation EMU.
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