Dog'on Right!

The headlines for the past couple of days have been plastered with the story of Leona Helmsley leaving her dog $12 million. When I first heard the story, I thought it was ridiculous. Why in the world would someone leave that much money to a dog? It didn't make any sense. But, after I started thinking and hearing about it more I realized that it made perfect sense.

Leona Helmsely was given the nickname "Queen of Mean" back in the 80's when she was brought up on tax evasion charges. In the video clips and pictures you see of her she always seems to have a scowl on her face. She looks like the real-life Cruella Deville. But, the lady was R-I-C-H. And when she died and her will was read, everybody freaked out about the dog getting a ton of money.

I, for one, don't blame her for giving her dog $12 million. I actually think she made a nice point by doing so. I know everyone is going to think I'm crazy for thinking the way I do but hear me out.

Imagine being dirty, filthy rich. We're talking billionaire rich here. Sure it would be awesome to not have to worry about bills and how you're going to take your next vacation but I think it would also have a down side. Imagine all the people that would hound you for money. Charities, long-lost relatives and/or friends, disgruntled employees... I'm sure the list goes on. I would think, after a while, those requests would start to get old. It may cause you to be skeptical of the people around you. You may wonder why they are around. Because they really and truly like you or because they really like it when you pick up the tab?

Then there is your dog. Sweet, faithful, showing you unconditional love everyday of your life. Imagine being the "Queen of Mean" and having the whole world think you're a huge bitch. Then you get home at the end of the day and you have this warm, fuzzy, little creature that thinks you are the best thing since sliced bread. There is a quote that says something like, I want to be as good a person as my dog thinks I am. Ms. Helmsley probably got that "good person" feeling from her dog.

Now, I'm not saying that her dog needs $12 million to be taken care of for the remainder of its life. But, I'm sure the dog was accustomed to a certain standard of living and, as such, should be taken care of at that same standard. That much money sure could buy a whole lot of kibble and dog treats but I doubt "Trouble" is eating kibble. I think I heard in a news story that the dog eats gourmet meals prepared by a chef. The lady had a ton of money, if she wants a chef to prepare her dog's food- so be it.

But, more than the cost to care for her dog I think Ms. Helmsley was trying to make a statement. A final "f-you" to the people in her life that were insincere. None of us know how her grandchildren treated her. Maybe they were all screw ups that only called her when they needed some money or when they needed help getting out of a jam. Maybe they were spoiled brats that never called or visited her. We'll never know for sure but I think her will made it clear who was number one in her life. The only one in her life that never complained, never asked for money, never called her names or talked about her behind her back, the one who showed her unconditional love and affection was her dog, Trouble. And she returned the favor.