Watch out for her dog! From Yahoo/AP:
One of Leona Helmsley's hotel employees is suing the real estate queen, claiming Helmsley's pet dog bit her.Zamfira Sfara, who works at the Park Lane Hotel near Central Park, says in court papers that she was working in Helmsley's apartment on the building's 46th floor on Nov. 26 when "Trouble" struck.
Sfara's court papers say she "was viciously attacked and bitten about her right hand" by the 6-year-old Maltese and suffered "severe and serious personal injuries."
The documents, filed Wednesday, also say the dog earlier had bitten others, "as defendants well knew."
The lawsuit, which names only Helmsley as a defendant, seeks unspecified damages.
We have a Maltese, and they are a pretty sweet natured dog. Angel is a little large for his breed at 18 pounds, but he is still a very friendly little guy.
I would be a bit embarrassed to go into court and say that a six year old, six pound dog viciously attacked me. Also, a toy breed like the Maltese has a pretty rough time jumping to hand level on most people. There would have to be some fault on the part of the Hotel employee I would think.
Posted by: Jeff at January 28, 2005 02:34 PMI personally wouldn't be surprised. Maltese ordinarily ARE perfectly sweet-natured, charming little dogs- if you treat them like dogs. If you treat them like babies with fur they can turn into extraordinarily nasty little despots.
Posted by: LabRat at January 28, 2005 05:33 PMYou make a good point, LabRat.
We also have a Long Hair Chihuahua who spent a better part of her puppyhood being treated as a baby with fur, and she will chew your hand down to a nub like piranha feasting on a cow if you bug her too much.
Posted by: Jeff at January 28, 2005 09:05 PMI suspect this is more about trying to win a bunch of money. No doubt by the time of the civil trial a nip will turn into a night of terror... And don't forget loss of spousal sexual services -- they always work that into these suits.
Posted by: Jeff Soyer at January 29, 2005 07:10 PM