By Della Hasselle
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Now there's "Trouble" in doggie heaven.
"Trouble," the millionaire female Maltese once owned by hotel and real-estate magnate Leona Helmsley, has died of natural causes, the New York Daily News reported.
The pampered pooch was left $12 million by Helmsley before the so-called "Queen of Mean" died in 2007, but a judge later cut that amount down to $2 million, according to reports. Helmsley left nothing to her two grandchildren, according to reports.
The pooch was reportedly one of the few creatures to be showered with Helmsley's affection after her husband Harry Helmsley's death, and "Trouble" was a constant companion at Helmsley's side in her final years.
After Helmsley's death, the dog lived out the rest of her days enjoying the luxury lifestyle of Florida retirement, with amenities that included full-time security, top-of-the line grooming, food and a paid caretaker, according to the News.
"Trouble" reportedly died back in December, but the news of her death didn't emerge until now, the News reported.
Sullivan added that the money left to the dog has "reverted to The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust for charitable purposes."
In 1997, a judge barred Trouble from receiving the full $12 million willed by Helmsley, claiming $2 million would suffice.
Helmsley — who carried the dog everywhere with her before she died — had also wanted "Trouble" buried with her in the family plot of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, but that wish was shot down as well, the News reported.
"Trouble was cremated, and her remains are being privately retained," spokeswoman Eileen Sullivan told the News.
A member of the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Board banned Trouble from resting forever after with her owner, according to the paper.
"You cannot bury pets in a cemetery," Stephen Byelick, a member of the cemetery's board, told the News. "The same rules apply to mausoleums."
