Trouble on Easy Street in Helmsley's Will

Aug 29, 12:04 PM

Current Headlines: Trouble, the white Maltese of Leona Helmsley, will be among the poshest pooches around, thanks to a $12 million trust reportedly included in Helmsley's will.

Helmsley, who died last week at 87, reportedly created the trust to care for the dog, which once was featured in ads for Helmsley properties, the New York Daily News reported Wednesday. The will stipulated the dog be buried next to her and her husband, Harry, in a mausoleum that will be maintained with a $3 million perpetual care trust.

The luxury hotel magnate set aside billions for charity and loved ones in a will made public Tuesday in New York's Surrogate's Court. Among other things, the will orders that Helmsley's jewelry, art, cars and other valuable property be sold, with proceeds going to unnamed causes through the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

Two-legged heirs didn't fare as well. Two grandchildren reportedly were cut out of Helmsley's $4 billion fortune and her brother, Alvin Rosenthal, was left $10 million.

Lawyers for family members and the estate declined to comment, the Daily News said.