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Poor Pooch

By TChris, Section Off Topic
Posted on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:09:36 PM EST
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Leona "Only the little people pay taxes" Helmsley famously left $12 million to her dog Trouble. We learn today that a judge reduced Trouble's trust fund to a mere $2 million. How is a well-bred poodle to survive with such a meager trust fund? Consider Trouble's expenses:

[Carl] Lekic put Trouble’s annual expenses at $190,000, which includes Lekic’s $60,000 guardian fee, $100,000 for ’round-the-clock security, $8,000 for grooming, $3,000 for miscellaneous expenses, $1,200 for food and anywhere from $2,500 to $18,000 for medical care.

Not to mention the occasional biscuit.

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    Poor Pooch | 39 comments (39 topical)

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    Jesus. Just think what a good animal rescue (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by Joelarama on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:13:00 PM EST
    group could have done with all that money.

    I don't get this (5.00 / 2) (#2)
    by Nadai on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:18:48 PM EST
    It's over the top to leave that kind of money to a dog, but it was Helmsley's money to leave.  The part about giving money to the grandchildren she disinherited bothers me, too.  Helmsley may have been a colossal jerk, but it was her money to do with as she pleased.

    I'm with you (5.00 / 3) (#11)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:38:31 PM EST
    People blow their money on all kinds of ridiculous things and nobody criticizes them for it.  Instead, they ooh and ahhh at the diamonds, they clutch their chest at the beauty of the 10 thousand square foot island house, etc. etc..

    But spend your money on a dog?  And the critics come out of the woodwork.

    Yes, I know 2 million dollars is extreme, and could save many dogs.  Tell that to all of the Hollywood actors driving their Ferrari's to their zillion dollar beach houses.

    Spending money on a dog is better than on a rock that used to be coal, yes?

    Full disclosure, I have a lab with orthopedic problems and a chronic form of cancer.  I spend in the range of $1500/year on his health care (He's 12 now).  Of course, he's beautiful and worth it, yes?: Link

    I have no human children, just canines.  And now, I'm bracing myself for the criticism ;-).

    Parent

    He is beautiful! (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by nycstray on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:57:39 PM EST
    and darn cute also!

    My 2 senior cats were racking up the vet bills when they were both diagnosed with cancer within 2 weeks of each other. I did not care. I must say, my pets have been fairly kind in the health issues area, well if ya don't count the time the dog got the bone stuck on her muzzle and it took a vet with a saw to get it off . . . lol!~

    Parent

    Oh my! (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 04:02:11 PM EST
    (dog with bone stuck in his muzzle!)

    You also have to consider all the money you save on blood pressure medicine for yourself.  I've come home many times from a stressful day to my dogs.  All they care about is that I'm home and then life is grand to them.  And I think  "Oh yeah, it really IS all small stuff."

    Parent

    Yup! (5.00 / 1) (#25)
    by nycstray on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 04:08:16 PM EST
    I work at home, so she's a constant relaxer and also doubles as good back support

    My pets have really lowered my stress levels over the years. The cats are a good reminder too. If I'm all stressed, they back away from me, so I KNOW I need to shake it off and get a grip :) Luckily, those days are mostly far behind me now :)

    Parent

    She is just beautiful nyc (5.00 / 1) (#28)
    by Teresa on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 04:26:06 PM EST


    Parent
    What a sweetheart. (5.00 / 1) (#30)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 04:29:51 PM EST


    Parent
    What a great dog! And Teresa's Cody (none / 0) (#39)
    by bridget on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 11:20:07 PM EST
    is a real beauty :-)

    Parent
    No criticism. (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by Molly Pitcher on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 04:12:27 PM EST
    My last dog had a 'creeping paralysis' and spent her last months walking/running in a cart.  She was  my partner, not my pet.  Got myself a much smaller herding dog--no more big dogs I can't lift if needed.

    Parent
    My Codydog is developing (5.00 / 1) (#27)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 04:26:03 PM EST
    neurological disease.  He now has laryngeal paralysis.  I had decided "no more surgeries" but in this case, he could die of asphyxiation without surgery.

    So it's either surgery, or put this face down (link).  Which would you do?

    I'm sorry about your girl. Yes, partner, not pet.  It's tough watching a friend get sick, fur or no fur.

    Parent

    Oh, dear-- (none / 0) (#33)
    by Molly Pitcher on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 06:13:21 PM EST
    my dog had degenerative myelopathy and it was moving to the chest.  She would have gotten the
    laryngeal paralysis eventually.  I really had little  choice about putting her down: I was dropping her sometimes (GSDs are not light weights).  More inportantly, her nature was to be a guard dog--and that's hard to do if you are confined to a blanket.  She was out running in her cart and chasing balls an hour before the vet came to put her down. (He climbed over the gate instead of waiting till I let him in.  She used her front legs to drag herself to the attack; I tackled her and held her down for the first shot--not the peaceful passing I had hoped for.)

    I think I would try to get a definite description of what the operation would accomplish--what the dog's life would be like if you chose that.  If the result sounds good and you can afford it, go for it.  If it maybe would just prolong things, then think carefully.  I do believe I did what was best for my dog--but I am not sure I could ever make such a decision again.  Therefore: my little rare-breed herder (whom I have left to my son, along with a sum of money.  He can keep my dog or send him to Wyoming to live with another of his breed, along with the cash.)

    Parent

    Early laryngeal paralysis (none / 0) (#36)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 08:18:56 PM EST
    was the first noticeable symptom of his disease.  I've done quite a bit of research on the subject.  The LP is really a pretty common condition and the surgery, albeit risky, brings function back a great deal.

    Like I've said, the only treatment that interests me is palliative which this appears to be.  I have a surgeon, whom I've used extensively, who would do the work.

    Cody is still walking fine.  He falls sometimes, but he's doing okay.   As long as he's comfortable, we'll continue, but the minute he's not engaging us, not eating, or any of the other signs, we'll stop.

    I'm sorry to hear about your dog.  It must have been horrible.

    Parent

    Oof-- (none / 0) (#37)
    by Molly Pitcher on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 08:47:20 PM EST
    I guess my dog already had a touch of that.  One known effect of DM is that the bark is lost or greatly changed.  Now I can give a 'maybe' answer when list newcomers ask 'why.'

    About walking--slings or harness aides can help.  Also, I had to have rug runways until my dog became unable to stand.

    Parent

    Absolutely (none / 0) (#21)
    by TChris on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 04:01:31 PM EST
    Cody is absolutely worth it.

    Parent
    Agreed. It's a free country. (none / 0) (#6)
    by Joelarama on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:32:22 PM EST
    But I think super-wealthy people who are vulgar, stupid, and/or selfish with their money deserve all the public ribbing we can give.

    Being free to do something doesn't mean there shouldn't be social consequences.

    Parent

    Make sure and ridicule (none / 0) (#12)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:39:58 PM EST
    them for buying Ferraris that depreciate just like the rest of cars.

    Parent
    It's a Scam (none / 0) (#24)
    by Niffari on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 04:07:56 PM EST
    That's why you don't leave a dog $12 million. Helmeley was probably mentally unstable and thought it was a good idea. The people caring for the dog are ripping her off. Ridiculous.

    Parent
    I totally agree and I am very concerned to hear (none / 0) (#38)
    by bridget on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 11:11:41 PM EST
    that a judge can overturn the trust fund she has set up for her dog. And if she doesn't want anyone else to have her money she had reasons for that.

    Its her money after all. Guess even a trust fund is never save from greedy relatives.

    Where does the judge get the right to do this?

    Parent

    My dog is not paying me enough (5.00 / 4) (#3)
    by ruffian on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:23:26 PM EST
    in guardian fees, I can tell you that right now.

    Hear, Hear. (5.00 / 2) (#4)
    by scribe on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:27:30 PM EST
    I'll have to talk to my setter about upping her room, board and biscuit fees.

    And, let's not even talk about the mileage on the walks.

    Or the extraction fees when she decides (ahem) road apples are on her sidewalk menu.

    But, seriously - how much for dog grooming?  The amount the judge seems to have set aside for grooming works out to about once a week, or oftener.  That much grooming is actually counter-productive - probably bad for the pooch.

    Parent

    The groomer prob charges outrageous fees (none / 0) (#8)
    by nycstray on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:34:41 PM EST
    just like those hair stylists for da stars?  I'm still trying to figure out the food costs for such a small dog!

    Parent
    It's that elitist food. We wouldn't understand. :) (none / 0) (#9)
    by Teresa on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:35:50 PM EST


    Parent
    Taste Testers (none / 0) (#10)
    by squeaky on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:37:16 PM EST
    Are expensive. You don't think that they would feed the dog without someone testing the food first. There are probable several contracts out on poor poochie's life. Besides caviar is expensive.

    Parent
    Dogs wouldn't know what to do with caviar (none / 0) (#14)
    by scribe on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:45:25 PM EST
    This morning, I was walking my pooch.  Part of the normal course goes by a favorite-of-many fishing spot.  It just so happened that as we passed by a fisherman was landing a fish.  

    My dog watched with no small amount of interest in the flapping and squiriming, but her nose could not tell her what this strange thing - a fish - was.  Nonplussed, she looked at me as if to say "whatever".

    She's had the same reaction to fish - and, at a friend's place, fish roes - any number of times.

    Parent

    Mine hides fish . . . (none / 0) (#17)
    by nycstray on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:51:45 PM EST
    under the couch cushion. Liver ended up there once until she decided she liked it, lol!~

    Wouldn't caviar be too salty?

    Parent

    Yes (none / 0) (#23)
    by squeaky on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 04:07:29 PM EST
    I have offered the dog I love lobster and shrimp with no response. I am sure she would also balk at caviar, although she does like cooked fish. Many years ago I had a close friend who was a chef at the Carlisle Hotel. One of his daily chores was to prepare a food plate for a very fancy little dog. If I remember correctly there was caviar, foie gras, along with other expensive items. He told me that if the food or arrangement was not just right, it would get sent back for him to do over.

    Parent
    I'm surprised. Mine absolutely love shrimp but (none / 0) (#29)
    by Teresa on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 04:28:57 PM EST
    crab legs are their favorite. I'm sure they would love lobster.

    Parent
    Funny - no one bit (none / 0) (#32)
    by scribe on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 05:34:15 PM EST
    on the road apples reference.

    Are we that urbanized, already?

    Parent

    lol, I had to look that up. I thought you were (none / 0) (#35)
    by Teresa on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 08:10:19 PM EST
    talking about trees that grew in the wild. We used to eat those green apples until our stomachs hurt.

    Not what you meant huh?

    Parent

    I was thinking maybe somebody cooked (none / 0) (#16)
    by nycstray on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:49:33 PM EST
    for the dog, but then they aren't spending enough. I think a taste tester would be more also, lol! Heck a dog walker in NYC makes at least 10 for 30min. Whatever they're feeding, they are paying a high mark up!  ;)

    Parent
    I think the dog is a Maltese (none / 0) (#13)
    by FlaDemFem on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:41:15 PM EST
    which does need a weekly grooming to keep its coat from getting matted. Most long haired dogs do need a weekly "brush out", even if they aren't bathed at the time. Bathing once a week is not a good idea, dries the skin out, especially in small dogs. But they do need to be properly brushed out, or it's mat city which is very uncomfortable for the dog.

    Parent
    What da heck are they feeding the dog? (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by nycstray on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:31:02 PM EST
    My SIX pets eat a free range raw meat/bone/organ diet and that's in the range I spend. I spend more, but if I only had one small dog, I wouldn't come close to that amount.

    Hey Trouble, send a little med money to (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by Teresa on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:33:16 PM EST
    my poodle. I've spent $2500 since May 2 and you won't miss it. I'll give you one of my free scissor cuts.

    Who's the dog (5.00 / 2) (#15)
    by Left of center on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:45:49 PM EST
    going to leave the money to after he dies?

    Reminds me (5.00 / 2) (#20)
    by stillife on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:58:29 PM EST
    of a story my boss told me.  He's a lawyer specializing in trusts and estates.  Years ago, he was involved in a case similar to this where a large sum of money was left in trust for a dog.  The trustee, a bank, was in charge of maintaining the house for the dog and hiring employees to maintain itin the style to which it had become accustomed.

    Years passed.  And years.  And years.  Finally, it dawned on somebody at the bank that this was one h*ll of a long-lived dog.  They investigated and it turned out that this was not the original dog - it was the third or fourth dog!  The people who were paid good salaries to take care of the dog realized they had a good racket going, so when one dog died, they'd just go out and buy another!

    AL "OTLPPT" Franken (none / 0) (#19)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:57:58 PM EST

    Al "Only the little people pay taxes" Franken will hopefully get beat in the primary by Mike Cerici.

    Well, for $60,000 p.a., (none / 0) (#31)
    by camellia on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 04:51:19 PM EST
    I would be happy to be his caretaker!  I do caretaking for free for one very imperious Siamese cat, so I could definitely add this dog to my chores, for $60,000.  

    Stingy judge (none / 0) (#34)
    by Lora on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 06:54:34 PM EST
    Whoa.  A mere twelve hundred a year for food??

    Poor puppy.  Do the math.  That's $100 per month, or a little over $3.00 per day.

    Now how much ground fillet mignon will that buy?  That judge was harsh! ;-)

    Poor Pooch | 39 comments (39 topical)

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