Surprising Hambone Award Finalists Showcase Pets’ Wild Adventures

Nationwide Pet Insurance has unveiled the finalists for its 17th annual Hambone Award, celebrating the most bizarre incidents that lead pets to unexpected veterinary visits. The award, named after a dog that became trapped in a refrigerator and consumed an entire holiday ham, recognizes the unusual ways pets find themselves in need of medical attention.

This year’s finalists include a diverse list of pets, each with their own unusual stories. Ziya, a Belgian malinois from California, faced a bull while protecting his family, resulting in a kick to the face. Wash, a mixed-breed dog from Tennessee, experienced a loss of appetite after indulging in too many cicadas from his yard.

In New York, a cat named Salem was suspected of swallowing an AirPod, but despite multiple vet visits, the earbud was never located. Meanwhile, in California, Ozi, a Yorkie, managed to disassemble his family’s TV remote, raising concerns about a swallowed battery that was later found under the couch.

Other finalists include Maddie, a bulldog from Virginia, whose mysterious illness was traced back to consuming a taxidermied alligator. Hazel, a Great Dane-St. Bernard mix from New Jersey, was bitten on the paw by a groundhog in her yard. Foxtrot, a Texas Great Dane, grabbed a turkey leg from her owner’s hands and swallowed it whole, while Duke, an Ohio lab mix, oddly swallowed an entire spatula head while licking peanut butter.

In a humorous incident, a golden retriever named Boone from New Jersey burned his mouth on a piece of too-hot grilled chicken and subsequently choked on the bone. Finally, Bella, a Havanese pup from Illinois, faced a significant tummy ache after feasting on a floral arrangement.

According to Dr. Emily M. Tincher, chief veterinary officer at Nationwide, “Pets always find new ways to surprise us! The Hambone Award shines a light on those unpredictable moments and the amazing teams who help pets recover.” All finalists have reportedly made full recoveries since their respective incidents.

Animal lovers can participate in the selection process by voting for their favorite finalists on the Hambone Award website until August 12, 2023. The winning pet will be awarded the Hambone Award trophy along with a Petco gift card, while the second and third place finishers will also receive Petco gift cards, adding an element of excitement to this unique competition.