When the New York surrogate court made real estate mogul Leona Helmsley’s will public last week, there was only one word her primary heir needed to know: fetch.
Oh, and fetch she will—the late “Queen of Mean’s” pampered pooch, Trouble, will be racking in a heaping $12 million trust fund, as per Helmsley’s instructions. (The grandkids weren’t nearly as lucky, with two of them cashing in at $5 million each, while the other two were disinherited altogether. That’s right, zilch.)
But what on earth could a canine do with that much money?
Well, in today’s exploding pet industry, options don’t exactly run thin. We went shopping to help Trouble spend some of that hard-earned money.
Supplies and Accessories
Swarovski crystal-encrusted dog collar
How Much: $100
Where: All Paws, Rye, NY
Pearl necklace
How Much: $45-$65
Where: All Paws, Rye, NY
Dog NY mink collar-and-leash set
How Much: $175
Where: Pet Pantry Warehouse, Rye, NY, and Greenwich, CT
Hermès crocodile-and-calfskin-leather collar-and-leash set
How Much: $1,380 (a repair charge if leather is chewed)
Where: www.hermes.com
Stainless Steal two-bowl set
How much: $200
Where: All Paws, Rye
Services
Runcible Spoon’s homemade dinner and dessert
White Plains-based personal chef Jennifer Urda at Runcible Spoon will whip up a delectable, gourmet home-style meal from scratch for your four-legged friend. Choose from puppy veal stew, doggie meatloaf, Mexican chicken stew, lamb jerkey, doggie burgers, and literally a hundred other recipes. For dessert: peanut brindle, liver brownies, snickerpoodles, and even doggie cakes. And yes, she cooks for people, too!
How much: up to $340 plus cost of groceries for one meal and dessert ($85 hourly, four hours preparation); $500 for two weeks’ supply
Where: In your home!
The Cultured Canine etiquette coaching
Diane Podolsky at The Cultured Canine will transform your pup into a refined, mannerly little member of society. The female Henry Higgins of the canine world, Podolsky (who graduated from the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers) kicks it up from the regular doggie basics (like sit, stay and down) by training your dog to walk nicely on a leash without pulling, allow grooming and petting, accept wearing clothes, resist food both on the table and on the street, go to bed on command, and more.
How Much: $120 per hour
Where: White Plains, NY
DoodyCalls waste removal
When nature calls, you need not answer. The Mount Kisco-based branch of DoodyCalls will come to your home and pick up after your canine, so that you don’t need to get your hands dirty (quite literally).
How Much: $18 for one dog, $23 for two, weekly
Where: At your residence
Getaways at Camp Gone to the Dogs
With the motto “Tails Up,” this Vermont-located camp will provide endless entertainment, classes, activities and games for both dog and owner from morning to night. Play ball, learn about canine health issues, make your own leashes, partake in doggie costume parties and more.
How Much: $975-$1,425; see Web site for details
Where: Numerous locations, Vermont
Doggie Therapy with Dr. Ellen Lindell
Is Fido misbehaving or plagued with a case of the doggone (oh, it was too easy) blues? Take him for a one-on-one session with veterinary behaviorist Dr. Ellen Lindell and she’ll get to the source of the problem. After providing a customized solution, Lindell will follow up via phone or e-mail for three months.
How much: Prices vary by case; call to inquire
Where: Katonah-Bedford Veterinary Center, Bedford Hills, NY; house calls also available
Acupuncture Treatments
Dr. Noelle M. DeMasi at Pet Mend + Animal Hospital provides acupuncture treatments for your pooch, and based on tests, can even put together customized vitamins for your dog’s specific needs.
How Much: $80 consultation fee; $79 and up for acupuncture; vitamin prices vary
Where: Mamaroneck, NY
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