Leona Helmsley Leaves Billions To Dogs

(CBS)  The late New York hotel queen Leona Helmsley left a two-page "mission statement" that specifies that practically her entire trust, valued between $5 billion and $8 billion, be used for the care and welfare of dogs, The New York Times reports.

The newspaper, citing two unidentified sources, said Helmsley indicated in 2003 that the money should go to poor people and dogs. A year later, the sources said, she dropped poor people from the list.

The "mission statement" is not part of her will, but the Times reports the law favors remaining faithful to the donor's intent. That means the trustees of the fortune may have difficulty ignoring her wishes, though that has already happened in at least one instance.

Manhattan Surrogate Judge Renee Roth reduced the trust fund for Helmsley's personal dog, "Trouble," from $12 million to $2 million.

The 9-year-old Maltese lives in Florida with Carl Lekic, the general manager of the Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel. Helmsley died last August.

The New York Post said Lekic put Trouble's annual cost at $190,000. That figure includes Lekic's $60,000 guardian fee, $100,000 for security, $8,000 for grooming, $3,000 for miscellaneous expenses, $1,200 for food and 2,500 to $18,000 for medical care.

The Post also that Judge Roth also gave $6 million to Helmsley's two disinherited grandchildren.

Roth's decision was made April 30, but only became public last month.

[victoriaraft]

its unbelievable that this woman would do this....she has grandchildren & great grandchildren...plus there are so many other children in need...she is just a vengeful b--ch to the end.....some moron taking care of the dog will reap the benifits...

[libsluv2spit]

and its pretty much typical..these cbs liberal nutjobs are jealous of a dog..well cant blame them..it has more class and money than they do

[sahayes3]

It is truly disheartening and a sad testament to see comments against Leona Helmsley%u2019s trust being devoted to her intended beneficiaries. It is a fundamental right of any American citizen to decide upon their own philanthropic areas of interest, period. We live in a nation that permits us to accumulate wealth and we should all have a vested interest in supporting and furthering philanthropic giving to advance all aspects of our society %u2013 including animal welfare. It is insular for some to feel they have the right to criticize this act of kindness and compassion because the area of interest is not their first choice. When you write your will you can decide where you will be leaving your legacy- or will you be leaving one at all?
We should be cheering Leona Helmsley regardless of personality or public perception, for her generosity and the colossal impact that can be made for the millions of suffering dogs in this world. The welfare of animals is not an illogical cause and shame on you to those that cannot see that pain and suffering is real and felt regardless of species.
There is absolutely no reason that the animal welfare movement should not be able to carry out its mission with the same fortitude as any other cause or social issue. Choosing to make a transforming, positive impact on those that suffer at the hands of man is noble and will inevitably advance our society as a whole.

[blackyowe]

It does not bother me that is for sure.

[sgtrds-e4]

Why should this bother anyone? It was her money and leaving it to the care and shelter of dogs is a noble bequest. It''s certainly an area that is horribly underfunded. People like Bill Gates, the Rockefellers, the Fords, etc., already have programs that help poor people, so it''s about time we see some of the same toward helping helpless dogs.

[ubrew12]

Take care of people, and the people will take care of dogs.

Take care of dogs, and the dogs will eat the people.

Helmsley was perfectly consistent to the end. Good riddance, b*tch.

Signed, a human

[keithle1]

What a stupid crazy old broad. More money than sense.
Old ladies & their yappy little dogs. Dressing them up in sweaters when it gets cold. Pushing them around in strollers. Saw that the other day. Dog was behind a mesh thing so the bugs/flies wouldn''t get at him. Woman''s male friend trotting dutifully behind her. Oy vey. Holding the dog like it''s a baby. Dog eats better than some people.

The older women get the nuttier they get.

Get a life!

[sgtrds-e4]

"there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death."

This is the part that gets to me.............

[sgtrds-e4]

"...but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster."

This is where I start crying. I can''''t take it!

Posted by erasmus81 at 06:50 PM : Jul 02, 2008

I know. Even a cynical old atheist like myself tears up a bit too.

[erasmus81]

"...but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster."

This is where I start crying. I can''t take it!