The Dog Ate My Ticket

Aug. 11, 2022 – Salem, Ore. – 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.

Nathan and Rachael Lamet of Salem sent the damaged ticket to the Lottery with a note and a picture of their two Alaskan Klee Kias, “Apple” and “Jack.” The Lamets have owned the dogs since they were puppies, “Apple” is 11 months old and “Jack” is two years old.

“For some reason we left the ticket on the ottoman and they decided it was delicious,” said Rachel Lamet. “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 at the very least. He said it’s for sure a winner.”

Oregon Lottery personnel didn’t roll over, and 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 Pharaoh’s Gold Crossword was an $8 winner.

When the Lamets found out they had won, and the check was being mailed to them, they couldn’t believe it was actually a winning ticket.

“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 does mail-in claims so players can send in their winning tickets through the mail. Usually these claims are processed and paid within 10 business days.

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!

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $14 billion for economic development, public education, Outdoor School, state parks, Veteran Services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org

Contact Patrick Johnson, Communications Consultant, Oregon Lottery, for additional photos or information at patrick.johnson@lottery.oregon.gov or 971-600-6059