Update: Largo Dog Devours $275 Cash

Last week Largo Patch shared the the beagle who had eaten his owner's money, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

Arnie apparently ate $275 in cash at the Largo home he shares with Corey and Hope O'Kelley. The pup worked hard to get into $300 in bills in an envelope, which was in a wallet, inside a purse and on top of a kitchen table, the Times reported.

When the O'Kelley family woke up, they found just $25 scattered around the house. Later they found more shredded cash after the money worked its way through Arnie's system, the Times reported.

After reading Arnie's story, a Largo Patch reader shared how her neighbor's dog ate $500 a few years ago and the family was able to recover the money with the help of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

The federal Bureau of Engraving and Printing has a special office for "mutilated" currency. Damaged or mutilated money can mailed or delivered in person to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing along with a letter sharing about how much money was damaged and an explanation of how the currency was mutilated, according to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing Web site.

The process can take 12 to 16 weeks depending on the condition of the currency. If the "experienced mutilated currency examiner" believes the process will take longer, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing will send a written note. 

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing suggests the damaged monies be insured and sent by registered mail, return receipt requested.

Although the currency examiners can "usually" tell the amount and value of the mutilated monies, the department encourages careful packaging to prevent additional damage. The final authority for settlement of claims rests with the Bureau.

The Mutilated Currency Division Mailing Address for USPS delivery:

Bureau of Engraving & Printing
MCD/OFM, Room 344A
P.O. Box 37048
Washington, DC 20013 

And if coins are damaged, melted or mutilated, check with the U.S. Mint.

Arnie's owners may want to keep that contact info handy!