LANSING, December 2, 1999 — Mark Thomason of Battle Creek took a bite out of the Michigan Lottery after scratching off a Michigan Lottery "The Big Dog" instant ticket to reveal he had won one of the $25,000 top prizes!

The 39-year-old winner purchased the lucky ticket at Capital Convenience Corner, 610 Capital Ave. SW, in Battle Creek. Thomason could hardly believe his eyes when he saw what he had won.

"I scratched off the ticket and started shaking immediately," Thomason said.

The Battle Creek man said he has been playing Lottery games for the past 25 years and his favorites are the Daily 3 & 4 games and, of course, the instant games!

Prior to turning the winning ticket in at Lottery headquarters in Lansing, the winner had his wife, Philena, keep it in her purse to ensure its safety.

The lucky man said the money came at just the right time for him and his family, as he plans to use part of his winnings to purchase holiday gifts.

"The Big Dog" is just one of many Michigan Lottery instant tickets available at more than 9,300 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.