When Carrie and Clayton Law visited their local bank in Pennsylvania, USA, to withdraw money to pay for a new fence, the couple had no idea that the term “dirty money” would soon take on a new meaning for them.
Once home, the seven-year-old googledoodle Cecil, whom the owners describe as completely uninterested in food and a “human trapped in a dog’s body”, was waiting.
Half an hour later, the 45-pound dog laid down to rest on the couch—about $2,500 heavier.
– We couldn’t believe it. We looked at each other and wondered what to do, says Carrie.
The bank: Similar events occurred
The couple realized that they had to start the cleanup work immediately. Quite cleverly, they were able to collect 1,500 dollars – but the problem still remained of collecting the remaining money that the dog had eaten.
And would the bank approve the money if they managed to patch it up?
– I felt like a child who blamed the dog for eating my homework, but I was surprised when the bank told me that similar events had happened many times before, says Carrie.
They were told by the bank that the notes were considered accepted as long as the serial number was visible on the front and back.
Followed the dog’s every step – wearing a mask and gloves
Later that night, Cecil threw up a few hundred dollars. After that, patient work remained to come up with the rest of the money.
Wearing a mask and gloves, House Clayton followed Cecil’s every step over the next two days. When the dog had discharged its needs, a clean-up session followed where pieces of banknote were washed with washing-up liquid and then put together.
The couple filmed the work and posted it on Instagram – where it became a viral sensation, amassing 175,000 likes so far.
– I never thought I’d be able to say I’ve laundered money, but apparently there’s a first time for everything, says Carrie.
“Can’t be mad at him”
At the time of writing, Carrie and Clayton have managed to piece together just over $3,500 of Cecil’s meal.
Plans are in place to commemorate the event by creating a work of art from the notes that could not be saved.
But regardless of the outcome, the view of Cecil has not changed.
– We can’t be mad at him – he’s a very lovable doggy, says Carrie.