Gunther the German shepherd is selling his Miami mansion. Gunther — technically Gunther VI — inherited his vast fortune, including the eight-bedroom waterfront home once owned by Madonna, from his grandfather Gunther IV. At least that’s what the handlers who manage the estate say. The Tuscan-style villa with views of Biscayne Bay went on sale Wednesday for $31.75 million — a whopping markup from the purchase two decades ago from the pop star for $7.5 million.
… The dog’s lineage dates back decades to when Gunther III inherited a multimillion-dollar trust from late owner German countess Karlotta Liebenstein when she died in 1992. Since then, a group of handlers have helped maintain a jet-setting lifestyle for a succession of dogs. There are trips to the Milan and the Bahamas, where the latest Gunther recently dined out at restaurants every evening — because his handlers like to make sure he’s well socialized.
… A chef cooks his breakfast each morning made of the finest meat, fresh vegetables and rice. Sometimes he enjoys caviar, but there’s never any kibble in sight. He travels by private jet, works on obedience skills daily with his trainer and sleeps in a lavish round, red velvet bed overlooking the bay.
… Carla Riccitelli is one of Gunther’s main caretakers and is on a board that manages the trust now worth almost $500 million, deciding when to buy and sell real estate. The group has even purchased sports teams, including a men’s soccer team and women’s swimming team and, yes, Gunther played on the field and attended the meets, she said.