A lucky couple were amazed to receive a pay out for a lottery ticket that had been shredded by their pet dogs and thought destroyed.
American couple Nathan and Rachael Lamet from Salem, Oregon, left a lottery scratchcard ticket out overnight.
By morning they found it shredded to pieces – with two very guilty-looking suspects nearby in the shape of their Alaskan Klee Kais called Jack, aged two, and 11-month-old Apple.
Rachael said: “For some reason, we left the ticket on the ottoman and they decided it was delicious.
“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.”
With their fingers crossed, they sent the torn ticket to the lottery company, who said in a statement: “Officials at the Oregon Lottery have seen Lottery tickets in many different states.
“Washed in a pair of jeans, dropped in a mud puddle, and even run over by cars. But earlier this week was a first.
“The Oregon Lottery received a letter with a torn-up ticket and a picture of two dogs. That’s right - the dogs ate the Lottery ticket.”
Oregon Lottery said staff members “fetched all the pieces of the ticket and were able to put the ticket back together, and soon realized Nathan was right.”
The ‘delicious’ $3 (£2.48) Pharaoh’s Gold Crossword scratchcard scooped the couple a modest $8 (£6.61).
The couple couldn’t believe it when the lottery company said they had patched up the winning ticket and a cheque was in the post to them.
Rachael said: “That’s too funny. We are definitely getting more chew toys, they go through a lot. We love them, but they are crazy sometimes.”
Oregon Lottery added: “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!”
