Eight-year-old border collie inherits $5m in owner’s will

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A dog has been left with millions of dollars to keep her in kibble and toys after her late owner named her in his will.

Lulu, an eight-year-old border collie from Nashville, Tennessee, belonged to Bill Dorris, a businessman who was frequently on the road. 

During his travels, Mr Dorris left his beloved dog with his friend Martha Burton, 88, according to WTVF, who has since taken full ownership of Lulu following Mr Dorris’ death late last year at the age of 84.

However, Ms Burton won’t have to spend her own money on the dog’s continued care, as Lulu’s late owner left instructions for $5m to be transferred into a trust for her care in his will.

“Five million dollars will be transferred to a trust to be formed upon my death for the care of my border collie, Lulu,” the will reads, according to WTVF, with the instructions stating that the money will be used for all of the dog’s needs and that she is to stay with Ms Burton.

“He loved that dog,” Ms Burton recalled of the relationship between Lulu and her owner while speaking with News Channel 5. “I don’t really know what to think about it to tell you the truth. He just really loved the dog.”

According to the outlet, the monetary value doesn’t mean that Lulu can spend as she pleases, as the will states that “Burton will simply be reimbursed for reasonable monthly expenses”.

All of Lulu’s expenses will be handled by a conservator, who will approve and reimburse Ms Burton for the cost of caring for the dog.

According to Ms Burton, there is no way that she and Lulu could ever spend $5m, but she smiled while telling News Channel 5 that she would “like to try”.

As for what will happen to any remaining money in the trust when Lulu reaches the end of her life, the outlet said it is not currently clear.