Just for a laugh, in case you missed this one:  Maltese “Trouble” Helmsley, passed away at the age of 12 (84 in dog years).

http://blogs.forbes.com/meghancasserly/2011/06/09/leona-helmsley-trouble-millionaire-pup-dead/

Lots of coverage on this one from the top news sources.  My only comment is that I don’t think a dog can really own anything under the law but a will or trust can certainly pay for the care of the dog.