Some animals are living the dream, too

E

ver counted your Chanukah money, dreaming of the day you wouldn’t need to scrounge up some extra cash to buy that brand-new, shiny bike you really want? You’re not alone. Many of us dream of a life filled with enough wealth to have our desires easily met. But believe it or not, some animals are living that dream too.

From Fluff to Riches

Animals and money may not seem to go hand in hand, but for Gunther the Sixth, they do. Gunther is not your average, everyday dog. You may have heard of his grandfather, Gunther the Third, who became the richest dog in the world when his owner, Countess Karlotta Liebenstein, died in 1992. Worried about her German Shepard, she appointed a team of trustees and caretakers to take care of him. Willing him all her money ($80 million) and her estate, she knew he would be taken care of, making him, overnight, the richest dog in the world.

Now owned by Maurizio Mian, Italian entrepreneur, pharmaceutical heir, and CEO of the Gunther Corporation, Gunther the Third’s grandson, Gunther the Sixth, has over $400 million to his name. But what could a dog do with enough money to buy a country?

Gunther’s Lavish Lifestyle

Mansion on Every Corner: Much like his illustrious predecessors, Gunther the Sixth lives in the lap of luxury — with an inherited fortune that would make anyone’s jaw drop. This pampered pup lives in an Italian villa with 27 employees who wait on him hand and paw, a PR team, and a singing group. He also has mansions and estates around the world, should he ever get tired of his grand villa.

Jetting Around the World: Not one to be left behind, Gunther has several options to get around. With his own private jet, yacht, and million-dollar cars, he zooms around the world. Whether he prefers a spontaneous weekend getaway to the streets of Milan or the Bahamas, this dog globetrotter can get anywhere, whenever he’d like. His passport is filled with stamps from exotic destinations that most people only dream of visiting.

Food Fit for Royalty: No ordinary kibble will satisfy Gunther’s sophisticated palate. He enjoys a daily menu of gourmet delicacies prepared by his personal chef. From filet mignon to gold-flaked steak, this dog doesn’t partake of anything cheap.

A Heart of Gold: Gunther Rescue is an organization created to help animals in need. What a mitzvah boy — um, dog — Gunther! We are proud!

With all the money Gunther has, his origins have come into question. As you may have guessed, it’s mostly true…ish.

As an heir to the Italian pharmaceutical company, Mian and his family devised the Gunther hoax to evade taxes and safeguard their wealth from the Italian government. They channeled their money through a tax-friendly bank in Liechtenstein and then directed it to a family friend in Germany. When the family friend fell ill, Mian continued the scheme by establishing a trust for a dog named Gunther, in order to maintain their wealth. Gunther has become a figure head for Maurizio’s business endeavors, properties, and investments. But that’s not all. It’s been discovered that Gunther isn’t even the countess’s dog; the Gunthers we see parading around are look-alikes.

Although compelling evidence exists to prove this, some people still believe Maurizio’s story. So does Gunther have $400 million? That’s up to you to decide.

Gunther isn’t the only one with a fat bank account in the animal kingdom.

Grumpy Cat

Grumpy Cat, known for her grumpy facial expression, gained wealth through merchandise and book deals, until she died at the age of 7.

Choupette

This Blue Cream Birman Cat is the beloved pet of a famous designer. Still alive, this pampered cat enjoys a luxurious lifestyle, including personal maids, a bodyguard, and fancy meals.

Lucky Diamond

The Maltese Poodle lived a glamorous life, including a $140,000 wedding with a $4,000 dog dress, and a sushi bar!

Bart the Bear II

Not all animals inherit wealth; some work for it. This Alaskan grizzly bear starred in many films and became an ambassador for a wildlife foundation, earning him over $30 million in total.

(Originally featured in Treeo, Issue 987)