Oprah Among the Rich and Famous Who Give Million Dollar Trusts to Their Pets

There's no doubt that pets hold a special place in the hearts of many. For some, pets are like next of kin. Just like we protect our loves one and try to provide a will and insurance to keep them secure upon our demise, the rich and famous also provide provisions for their pets. When Leona Helmsley, the famous luxury hotelier and "queen of mean" died earlier this summer, her estate was settled in surrogate court. She was a billionaire who made her fortune in real estate. She left millions for her brother who was chosen to be the caretaker for her precious white Maltese named Trouble in her absence. Her beloved pet will also be laid to rest next to her in a mausoleum.

Trouble was left a $12 million trust fund according to news reports which was more than what she left for two out of her four grandchildren. The grandchildren's trust had conditions that they visit their father's (Helmsley's late son Jay Panzirer) gravesite once every calendar year. "Otherwise, she wrote, neither will get a penny of the $5 million she left for each" said in a report on cbc.com on August 29, 2007.

Oprah's pooches and other pets will stand to inherit millions if they live longer than their wealthy owner. She has several dogs and other pets that will need care and attention. According to Woman's Day, Oprah will leave her dogs a $30 million inheritance.

Although you may just be hearing about the trend of leaving an estate to pets, it has been around for years. There are other pets who have inherited the lavish lifestyle from their deceased owners. One German Shepard named Gunther IV has a net worth of $180 million. He was owned by Gunther III who inherited money from his mother who was a German Countess named Karlotta Liebenstein. Although he has his own website guntherdog.com and apparently owns Madonna's former waterfront estate in Miami, the dog is rumored to be a publicity stunt and a hoax