Ever wondered what life is like for pets who inherit millions? From luxury living to trust funds that ensure their every need is met, these pampered pets will leave you astonished at the lengths some owners go to for their beloved animals.
1. Gunther III (German Shepherd) – $80 Million
Carlotta Liebenstein, a German countess, left her entire fortune to her German Shepherd, Gunther III, in 1992. Thanks to savvy investments, this inheritance ballooned to over $372 million, making Gunther III, and later his offspring Gunther IV, one of the wealthiest pets ever.
2. Kalu (Chimpanzee) – $70 Million
Patricia O’Neill, daughter of a British countess, left her chimpanzee Kalu a staggering $70 million. This inheritance was meant to ensure Kalu’s care in her Cape Town estate. However, a crooked financial advisor reportedly siphoned off much of the fortune.
3. Oprah Winfrey’s Dogs – $30 Million
Oprah Winfrey, renowned TV host and billionaire, has set aside $30 million in a trust fund for her five dogs—Luke, Layla, Sadie, Sunny, and Lauren. This ensures they will be well cared for even if something happens to her.
4. Tommaso (Cat) – $13 Million
Tommaso, a stray cat rescued from the streets of Rome, inherited $13 million from his owner, Maria Assunta. The childless widow of an Italian real estate investor wanted to ensure Tommaso’s comfort after her death in 2011.
5. Blackie (Cat) – $12.5 Million
British antique dealer Ben Rea left almost his entire estate to his cat, Blackie, in 1988. The reclusive millionaire’s bequest also benefited three cat charities, ensuring Blackie lived in luxury.
6. Trouble (Maltese) – $12 Million
Leona Helmsley, a real estate mogul, left $12 million to her dog, Trouble, in 2007. Despite subsequent legal battles and threats to Trouble’s safety, a judge later reduced this amount to $2 million.
7. Conchita, Lucia, and April Marie (Dogs) – $11 Million
Gail Posner left her three dogs—Conchita, a Chihuahua; Lucia, a Yorkshire Terrier; and April Marie, a Maltese—$11 million, including an $8 million mansion. This extravagant bequest also included funds for their weekly spa visits.
8. Gigoo (Hen) – $10 Million
Miles Blackwell, a British publishing magnate, left $10 million to his hen, Gigoo, after his death. Known for his animal welfare efforts, Blackwell ensured Gigoo’s future was secured.
9. Majel Barrett-Roddenberry’s Dogs – $4 Million
The widow of “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry, Majel Barrett-Roddenberry, left $4 million to her dogs in 2009. An additional $1 million was allocated to a domestic employee to care for them.
10. Michael Jackson’s Chimpanzee, Bubbles
While not explicitly detailed in financial terms, Michael Jackson’s chimpanzee, Bubbles, was reportedly provided for in his will. Jackson’s estate ensured that Bubbles lived comfortably after the pop star’s death.
Are You Doing Enough for Your Pet?
While these examples of extreme pet pampering might seem over the top, they highlight the lengths some go to for their pets’ well-being. Reflecting on these lavish bequests might make you consider your own pet care routine. Are you doing enough to ensure your pet’s health and happiness?
The post The 10 Biggest Inheritances Ever Left to Pets first appeared on PawShore.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / OlgaBartashevich.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
