Pampered Pooches: The Best Cared For Dogs In The US

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Dogs are said to be man’s best friend. Only cat lovers may contest that, but then again, cats doesn’t seem to be the “best buddy” type. However, some people go far greater lengths to take care and pamper their pooches. Some are bequeathed millions of dollars for their needs, some are paraded and carried on thousand dollar pouches, and some are even allowed to buy million dollar superstar villas. Here are some of the most pampered dogs in the United States: 

Trouble

Trouble, a Maltese dog, was a billionaire hotel tycoon’s beloved dog. Leona Helmsley, or as the public called her, the Queen of Mean, was no such thing to her beloved pooch. Upon Helmsley’s death, Trouble was bequeathed $12million, while excluding two of her grandsons from her will. However, the probate judge reduced the inheritance to $2 million, which covers Trouble’s yearly expenses of almost $200,000. Her annual grooming expenses run up to $8,000, her medical expenses up to $18,000, and her food expenses up to $1,200. From a diet of cream cheeses, steamed chicken, and crab cakes, her diet was changed to a more balanced meal of dog food. Trouble had her own security team costing $100,000, and her guardian is paid $60,000 for his services. Sadly, Trouble died in 2011, four years after Helmsley’s death. 

Lucky Diamond

Lucky is a Maltese dog owned by animal advocate and Animal Fair founder Wendy Diamond. In summer of 2012, Lucky was supposed to get married in a ceremony costing $140,000, which includes a $4,000 dog dress, a chupah, and a sushi station. The dog held the Guinness world record for dog photographed with the most number of celebrities, including Bill Clinton, Dave Matthews, Kristen Stewart, and other Hollywood celebrities. This is one dog that will never need to go to dog day care due to the large number of prospective dog-sitters! The pictures appeared in every issue of Animal Fair magazine, where she keeps a column titled “Who got lucky?” Unfortunately, Lucky died in 2012 before her very expensive would-be wedding. 

Tinkerbell Hilton 

Not Peter Pan’s Tink but just as precious, Paris Hilton’s teacup Chihuahua is named Tinkerbell. The hotel heiress dresses up Tinkerbell in Louis Vuitton puppy slippers and Chanel sweaters, both pink, of course. Tinkerbell is most often seen in public lounging inside Paris’ purse as the heiress hops from one socialite event to another. In 2004, Tinkerbell was lost for a week and Paris offered a $5,000 reward for her return. The dog also ghost-authored a book called The Tinkerbell Hilton Diaries: My Life Tailing Paris Hilton.

Gunther IV

Perhaps the richest dog in America, Gunther IV has a lot of real estate under his name. Gunther IV is said to be worth $140 million and have properties across the globe, the Bahamas, Germany, and Italy, the latest of which is a villa formerly owned by Madonna herself. Gunther IV, a German Shepherd dog, will be staying in the master’s bedroom. Gunther IV owes his good fortune to his father, Gunther III, who was reportedly the sole heir of a German countess who died in 1992. 
*PR collaboration with Debbie Fletcher