Pooch heiress flees to Florida after death threats
Trouble, a white Maltese, who belonged to billionaire Leona Helmsley until the latter’s death in August, was flown by private jet under tight security two months ago after receiving about 20 such threats.
The New York Times said the “rich bitch” was living at an undisclosed location in Florida, a favourite with retirees escaping the winter.
Trouble is said to have earned countless enemies due to a penchant for biting. John Codey, who is in charge of the pampered pooch’s trust fund, said there had been threats to kidnap the dog last week.
He added the cost of Trouble’s security detail, medical care and chef-cooked meals were about $300,000 a year.
When Trouble dies, any remaining money from her trust will go to the charitable foundations that inherited the lion’s share of Ms Helmsley’s estimated $4bn estate.
Ms Helmsley, dubbed the “Queen of Mean” by the tabloid press, cut two grandchildren out of her will while leaving $5m to two others on the proviso they visit their late father’s grave at least once a year.
Ms Helmsley’s will also stipulates that when Trouble dies, she is to be buried beside the magnate and her late husband Harry, who died in 1997.
