It's not uncommon for people who have earned a fortune to leave their savings to their pets. This gesture demonstrates genuine affection for their pets, leaving everyone perplexed.
German Shepherd Gunther IV — $375 million
The world's richest dog inherited his fortune not from his owner, but from his father, the titled German Shepherd Günther III. In 1992, German Countess Carlotta Liebenstein left her fortune to her beloved dog, and in her will, she stipulated that the inheritance should pass from father to son in the Günther family.
The millionaire dog lives in Miami, in his own mansion, which formerly belonged to the famous singer Madonna. He also owns properties in Germany, Italy, and the Bahamas.
Günther IV has two personal assistants, a doctor, a trainer, and support staff. His meals are prepared by specially hired chefs.
The dog's menu consists of only the finest ingredients—caviar, marbled beef steaks, and his favorite treat, truffles. He travels in a BMW convertible with a personal driver. He also has his own fleet of vehicles and a personal website.
Gigo the Chicken - $16 million
Before selling his business and retiring, English newspaper magnate and billionaire writer Miles Blackwell greatly surprised the public. He and his wife had no children, and after her death, he led a secluded life.
Miles was accompanied by a chicken named Gigo. The magnate's total fortune was $85 million. Of this, his dwarf chicken received $16 million. He distributed the rest to charities. His numerous relatives received not a penny.
Chihuahua Conchita – $11.3 million
This dog holds the title of the most pampered creature in the world. Her owner, Gail Posner, the daughter of a prominent American businesswoman, spent about $8,000 a month on gifts, manicures, and dinners for Conchita.
In 2010, Gail left her beloved dog $11 million, plus $25 million for the staff caring for her. The staff has the right to live in the villa, which, according to the will, belongs to the dog.
Chihuahua Conchita lives a life of luxury, enjoying daily spa treatments, wearing custom-made designer clothes, and $10,000 necklaces from famous brands. The millionaire left her son only $890,000.
Chimpanzee Kalu - $60 million
Born a countess and extravagant millionaire, Patricia O'Neill left a significant portion of her fortune to her beloved chimpanzee. She saved him from death—the poor animal was tied to a tree.
Patricia brought a chimpanzee from the Congo. The ape lived with her and her husband in the same house. The Countess's husband, the renowned swimmer and Olympic champion Frank O'Neill, disliked his wife's pet. So, during his absence while he was competing at the Olympics, Patricia rewrote her will.
The countess left the majority of her fortune to the chimpanzee Kalu. She divided the rest among her dogs and cats, leaving her husband nothing. The ape inherited a fortune worth millions and a luxurious estate in South Africa, home to several other apes.
Trouble the lapdog - $12 million
American billionaire Leona Helmsley, who owned a vast business empire and some of New York City's most prestigious real estate, became notorious for her stinginess. She bequeathed most of her fortune to her beloved dog, Trouble.
The will specifically stipulated that two of her four grandchildren would receive nothing. But the outrageous woman's relatives weren't satisfied with this and filed a lawsuit, arguing that $12 million was too much to care for a dog.
The court ordered the Maltese to be left with only $2 million. Her upkeep required $100,000 per year, of which $8,000 was for her haircuts and $1,200 for food.
The bulk of the dog's inheritance went toward guarding her, as she received numerous death and kidnapping threats. Trouble, the lapdog, died at the age of 12 and was solemnly buried in the family mausoleum next to her owner.
Blackie the Cat - $25 million
This pet is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the richest cat in the world. Antiques dealer and filmmaker Ben Rea bequeathed his millions to him. The millionaire was madly in love with cats and owned 15 of them.
Blackie the cat was the only one to survive his owner. According to his will, part of Ben's fortune went to charities that would care for the cat. The millionaire's relatives received not a penny.
Choupette the Cat - $200 million
Karl Lagerfeld, creative director of Chanel, who died in 2019, was a lonely man. The renowned fashion designer left his fortune to his beloved cat. He adored his pet, who came into his possession by chance when a friend asked him to look after her.
After petting the adorable animal, Karl didn't want to part with it. Since then, Choupette has lived a luxurious life, with an exquisite menu and several personal maids. She also enjoys private jets, iPads with special cat games, and advertising photo shoots. An entire book has been written about her, and several clothing collections have been dedicated to her.
