Trouble - The 12-Million Dollar Dog Is No More!

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In 2007, an eight-year old Maltese dog named Trouble made headlines all over the world, after it was revealed that its owner, New York billionaire Leona Helmsley, had bequeathed him a whopping $12mm USD.

What made the situation even worse is that the heiress, nicknamed Queen of Mean, had not left a single penny for two of her grandchildren, and much less than $12mm USD for two others.

Ms. Helmsley's reasoning behind the rather excessive amount was that she wanted Trouble to continue living the life of luxury he had been accustomed to, when she had been alive. His numerous indulgences included a 28-room mansion, a personal chef to cook his meals and a person to hand feed him, so that every now and again, he could nip off a finger or two.

While a New York judge reduced the inheritance to $2mm USD, some members of Ms. Helmsley's family were so upset, that the pooch allegedly received over 20 death and kidnapping threats, forcing his caretaker, Carl Lekic, to retain a full-time bodyguard.

On Thursday, June 9th, Mr. Lekic revealed that Trouble had passed away in his retirement home in Florida. The now 12-year-old (84 in dog years) had lost his eyesight and suffered numerous other health issues in his final year.

While Ms. Helmsley had hoped to re-unite with her beloved dog by requesting that he be buried next to her, the cemetery where she lays, refused to allow that - Instead, the Maltese was cremated, though there is no word on where his ashes were scattered. Hopefully, Trouble will be able to seek out his beloved mistress in his after life.

As for the money left over from his $2mm USD inheritance? It will just be added to The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, and used for a good cause.

R.I.P. Trouble!

Resources:thefrisky.com, newdailynews.com

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610 Comments
  • 100letters
    100lettersabout 4 years
    Wow, she must really care about her dog! 12 million dollars is a LOT!
    • animalloverdiy
      animalloverdiyalmost 5 years
      Only a few emojis to describe this 😦☺😔😑
      • I am popcorn almost 6 years
        I think giving a dog 12mm USD is excessive and having a personal chef and being hand fed but I do like the fact that she cares about her dog .
        • savage9012
          savage9012almost 6 years
          Poor dog
          • Lovebug62almost 6 years
            I think this story is the most sweet, selfish and sad at the same time. I think the amount of money is excessive, but sweet that Leona Hemsley would care about her dog that much.
            • cute girl 3000almost 6 years
              I am so sad for the dog who lost there eyesight
              • livvie1239
                livvie1239almost 6 years
                sad :(
                • livvie1239
                  livvie1239almost 6 years
                  whaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! so sad i love dogs
                  • bookstory14
                    bookstory14almost 6 years
                    Over 20 kidnapping and death threats.....that's awful! Do people even HAVE feelings? (Besides us on dogo lol)
                    • t-money-kitty
                      t-money-kittyalmost 6 years
                      so sad