A couple in the US have claimed their dog ate their winning lottery ticket – a story that, miraculously, officials have bought.
Rachel and Nathan Lamet from Salem, Oregon, admitted they needed to invest in some more ‘chew toys’ for their two Alaskan Klee Kais, 11-month-old Apple and two-year-old Jack, both of whom they’ve owned since they were puppies.
They had bought a £3 Pharoah’s Gold Crossword ticket, which can win a top prize of $25,000, but accidentally left it out in clear sight – leaving their pets to decide it must have been a snack.
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"For some reason we left the ticket on the ottoman and they decided it was delicious," Rachael said.
"I went to bed and when I woke up it was eaten to the point that I thought it was unable to be checked. But my husband thought it was hilarious and someone might get a good laugh at the very least. He said it's for sure a winner."
Thankfully, however, Oregon Lottery took pity – they accepted the shreds of ticket and managed to piece them back together, finding that Nathan was right, and the ticket was a winner... an $8 winner, no less. Still, a win is a win, right?
When the Lamets found out they’d won, and that a cheque was on the way to them in the mail, they couldn’t believe they’d actually had a winning ticket.
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“That’s too funny,” Rachael said. “We are definitely getting more chew toys, they go through a lot. We love them, but they are crazy sometimes.”
The Oregon Lottery has advised players to keep their ticket away from any 'furry friends' to avoid a similar issue in the future.
It said in a press release that it does mail-in claims so players can send in their winning tickets through the mail, and usually these claims are processed and paid within 10 business days.
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The press release added: “Lottery officials recommend that you always sign the back of your tickets with each Oregon Lottery game you play, to ensure you can claim any prize you may win. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. And above all, make sure the ticket is out of reach of any furry friends!”
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Jess Hardiman