Meet the Amazing Finalists of Nationwide's Hambone Award
Every pet has a memorable tale to tell, filled with unexpected and sometimes unbelievable adventures. This year, Nationwide Pet Insurance invites pet lovers to celebrate the most remarkable stories with the annual Hambone Award. This unique award highlights the bizarre incidents that lead to surprising veterinary visits, emphasizing the critical role pet insurance plays in safeguarding our beloved furry companions.
The inspiration for the Hambone Award originated from a humorous incident involving a Nationwide-insured dog who managed to get trapped in a refrigerator. While waiting to be rescued, this clever canine devoured an entire holiday ham! After being discovered, the dog had a mild case of hypothermia but a licked-clean bone, marking the beginning of this quirky tradition.
This year's nominees participated in an array of bizarre escapades, which included encounters with wayward groundhogs, culinary mishaps with flowers, and even moments involving high-tech gadgets. Voting for the most unusual pet insurance claim runs from now until mid-August, and the results will be revealed shortly after. Your votes can make a difference in determining who will take home the coveted Hambone Award.
Introducing This Year’s Extraordinary Nominees
Among the nominees, we have Ziya, a brave Belgian Malinois who truly put his courage to the test one foggy morning when he intervened during a bull fight to protect his humans, resulting in a painful encounter but a full recovery.
Then we’ve got Wash, a curious mixed breed that couldn't resist munching on cicadas, leading to a smelly aftermath that included a veterinary visit. Thankfully, he’s now back to enjoying all the right treats without any crunchy bugs!
Salem, a mysterious shorthair cat, faced quite the puzzle when an AirPod went missing, prompting a wild chase with tech aids and multiple vet visits, ultimately leaving the mystery unsolved but Salem healthy and ready for more excitement.
Ozi, a playful Yorkie, took curiosity to a new level by chewing a TV remote to pieces, sending his owners into a panic. Thanks to prompt veterinary attention, he can now continue watching TV—albeit under close supervision.
Maddie, the Bulldog, intrigued everyone when she began returning home with strange objects resembling bones, which were eventually linked to a taxidermy alligator. After guidance from pet experts at Nationwide's VetHelpline, her family learned to keep exotic décor out of her reach.
Hazel, a loyal Dane-St. Bernard mix, made quite a discovery in her yard when she unearthed a groundhog's hiding spot, resulting in a minor injury but a full recovery, showcasing her adventurous spirit.
Foxtrot, a Great Dane with an eye for food, created a stir when she snagged a turkey leg from her owner's hands, proving that Thanksgiving treats can lead to unexpected challenges—a swift vet visit ensured her safety!
Duke, a lab-mix, encountered a mishap involving a spatula head during a fun peanut butter session and required a quick vet visit, resulting in a memorable experience for both him and his owners.
Boone, a Golden Retriever, had a barbecue mishap that left him choking, but thanks to quick action from his owner and a visit to the veterinarian, he's back to enjoying meals—albeit more safely.
Bella, a Havanese, turned a beautiful bouquet into a colorful disaster, leading to another vet visit due to her curious palate. Each of these charming pets has shared their story, reminding everyone how imaginative and resilient our furry friends can be.
All nominated pets have fully recovered and received support for eligible veterinary expenses, showcasing the importance of pet insurance in navigating such unforeseen events. As the excitement builds, don’t forget to cast your vote for your favorites in this year’s Hambone Award!
"Pets continually find new and delightful ways to surprise us! The Hambone Award shines a light on those unpredictable moments and the amazing team behind helping pets recover," expressed Dr. Emily M. Tincher, Chief Veterinary Officer at Nationwide.
Winners will receive the prestigious Hambone Award trophy along with Petco gift cards for their efforts. The program aims to not only recognize these brave pets but also promote the idea of pet insurance as a beneficial service for all pet owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hambone Award?
The Hambone Award is an annual recognition given by Nationwide Pet Insurance to celebrate the most unusual pet insurance claims submitted by pet owners, highlighting the unique adventures their pets often embark on.
How are the winners determined?
The winners are selected based on public voting during the specified voting period, allowing pet enthusiasts to support their favorite nominees.
Can all pets participate in the nomination process?
Yes, any pet insured through Nationwide has the opportunity to be nominated if they have an extraordinary story related to a veterinary visit.
What does the grand prize winner receive?
The grand prize winner receives the coveted Hambone Award trophy along with a Petco gift card, while runners-up also receive Petco gift cards.
How can I learn more about Nationwide's pet insurance plans?
You can visit Nationwide's official website to explore their various pet insurance offerings, which cater to different medical needs for a range of pets.
