Spoiled Pets

[moneymatters]

Well, it looks like Leona Helmsley's dog, Trouble, will continue to live fancy for the remainder of its life. What a real shame for "The Queen of Mean" to leave her dog $12 million dollars while 2 of her 4 grandkids get ZILCH!

I wonder what the 2 grandkids do to get cut out of the will. Maybe if they write a book and tell their side of the story, they can make as much money and more than the dog inherited!

She even left her chauffeur $100,000. Must've been some naughty grandkids.

[moneymatters]

Here's the scoop if you haven't heard already:

Helmsley's dog gets $12 million in will - Yahoo! News

I guess the Queen of Mean wanted to go out with a bang.

Hey, if "Trouble" dies, do her puppies inherit what's left of the $12M?

[cptacek]

Personally, I think that is a terrible shame. $12 million to a DOG!!! Think of the good that money could have done the world. She could have gave it to a charity like the Humane Society and helped THOUSANDS of dogs.

I think Betty White (one of the Golden Girls) has her dogs in her will, too.

[FrugalFish]

Maybe she felt let down by the people who were suppose to be her emotional support network, and willing it to the dog (who was always there for her) seemed not only like an important thing to do, but a way to make a point.

DH and I made wills not too long ago, and it isn't too unusual for people to set up trusts for their animal's care after they pass away. The trust pays for all of the animals expenses and then when the pet passes away, the remainder is inherited by a family member or given to a charity. I wonder what will happen to Trouble's estate when he dies- I didn't see that in the article, if it was in there. I hope Trouble doesn't play fast and loose with the money and end up in poverty at the end of his life

[moneymatters]

Maybe she felt let down by the people who were suppose to be her emotional support network, and willing it to the dog (who was always there for her) seemed not only like an important thing to do, but a way to make a point.

OK. I could understand willing her dog maybe $100-$200K, but $12M!? WTF, is up with that!? It really does not cost that much to take care of a little dog.

I personally believe she could have donated most of that $12M with the rest she gave to her charity or something more useful.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

A lawyer told me exactly what Frugal Fish said. She said it has become fairly common in the last few years for people to name their pets in their will.

[Ima saver]

Of course, I don't want anything to happen to my little Holly. I would leave money for her care also. I think her brother is the dog's caretaker and gets the money.

[FrugalFish]

OK. I could understand willing her dog maybe $100-$200K, but $12M!? WTF, is up with that!? It really does not cost that much to take care of a little dog.

Sure your average little dog doesn't cost that much, but you need to take into consideration the lifestyle that Trouble is accustomed to. LOL.

[Pupart]

I don't know if the two grandchildren who were left out were expecting anything, but if they were it should be a lesson for many.
Don't automatically assume anyone will leave you anything.

[SnoopyCool]

If I'm not mistaken, she left millions to different charities. But even so, $12M to a dog is just too much!

[safari]

Who will get the money after her dog dies? How does that work legally, since dogs can't have wills?