Posts tagged "oprah winfrey"

It's only natural to plan ahead. Some pet owners take that extra step to include their pets in their wills or ask friends or family to care for a dog or cat should disaster strike. But many quirky and wealthy pet owners have taken it to the next level and are arranging for their animals to continue to live in the lap of luxury.

A few months ago, millionaire heiress Gail Posner made news when she left $3 million to her chiuhauhas, Conchita, Lucia and April Marie. Their inheritance included diamond accessories and life in an $8 million Miami mansion (complete with a live-in caretaker who also inherited millions).

Conchita, Lucia and April Marie are in good company. Over the years, other pet lovers have made it a point to leave their riches to their animal companions. Here are a few of the stories:

$12 Million Maltese: Leona Helmsley, New York's infamous "Queen of Mean," amassed billions of dollars during her lifetime. When she died in 2007, she left $12 milion to her Maltese, Trouble, while opting to completely cut several of her grandchildren out of her will.

$80 Million Chimp: Kalu the chimpanzee inherited what reports have claimed was anywhere between £40 million to £53 million in South Africa from her owner Patricia O'Neill. O'Neill had a soft spot for the chimp, who she rescued in Zaire in the 1980s. But Kalu often caused disturbances in O'Neill's marriage, since her husband Frank was not a fan. He reportedly disliked Kalu's penchant for smoking his cigarettes and drinking his beer.

Sure your dog can't read the magazine or understand the show, but that doesn't mean she can't live like one of Oprah's pampered pooches. In fact, you can completely deck out your dog in Oprah-approved accessories including an "O" collar, an "O" leash and an "O" pique polo shirt in your choice of Chateau Pink, Cape Blue or Hampton Green. If you are really committed, you can even get a soft food bowl imprinted with Oprah's initial right on the front.

Parvovirus, commonly known as parvo, is a deadly viral disease seen most often in dogs and puppies. It attacks the lining of the digestive system and prevents the animal from absorbing nutrients or liquids. Early symptoms include vomiting, high fever, and sever diarrhea. Parvo can be prevented with early vaccinations.

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