Mercer Co. Dog Named Among NJ Lottery's 'Jersey's Top Dogs'

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Bear, a Hamilton dog, is headed for lottery fame.

Bear is one of 18 dogs selected statewide to appear on the New Jersey Lottery's new "Jersey Dog" scratch-off ticket, launching Monday, May 4. The pup was among thousands of entries submitted last September when the Lottery launched its "Jersey's Top Dogs" contest, inviting Garden State pet owners to nominate their dogs for a chance to appear on an official scratch-off ticket.

A statewide public vote narrowed the field to the top 50 finalists, from which 18 were selected to represent dogs of various breeds, sizes and temperaments from across New Jersey.

Each of the 18 winning dogs will be featured with their photo, name and hometown on the tickets. The contest marks the first time the public has provided content for a New Jersey Lottery scratch-off ticket and the first time real dogs have been spotlighted.

Bear will appear alongside winners from Red Bank, Piscataway, Bridgeton, Toms River and other communities across the state.

"Seeing these real Jersey dogs recognized in person and celebrating them in a fun way on scratch-offs makes this ticket very special," said Jim Carey, executive director of the New Jersey Lottery. "We're excited to celebrate community pride, a shared pet connection, and our 'Top Dogs' with players statewide."

The "Jersey Dog" scratch-off gives players 18 and older the chance to win cash prizes up to $200,000. Tickets go on sale statewide May 4.

More information on the contest winners is available at jerseystopdogs.com.

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