A Heroic Encounter: Ziya the Dog Receives the Prestigious Hambone Award®

In a tale of bravery that sounds like it’s straight out of a movie, Ziya, a Belgian Malinois from Northern California, has been honored with the 17th annual Hambone Award. This accolade celebrates pets who have experienced exceptionally bizarre insurance claims, and Ziya's story is certainly one for the books.

Ziya was adopted by Tim, an experienced dog lover, who intended to train him as a working dog. Despite his training, Ziya's personality shone through, revealing that he was destined for a role as a protector—a position he embraced wholeheartedly on Tim's 80-acre property. This adventurous pup showed remarkable tracking skills and a keen sense of alertness, always watching out for his owner.

One seemingly ordinary morning, while enjoying a peaceful stroll with Tim, the day took a dramatic turn. As Ziya and his owners walked amidst the serene landscape, a loose and agitated bull emerged from the swirling mist. Without a moment's hesitation, Ziya leaped into action, positioning himself as a shield between the bull and his beloved owners. In a shocking encounter, the bull lunged and struck Ziya directly on the jaw, dislodging a tooth and resulting in a trip to the emergency vet.

Fortunately, Ziya received excellent veterinary care, and miraculously, he made a full recovery. Dr. Emily M. Tincher, Chief Veterinary Officer at Nationwide, remarked on the bond between Ziya and Tim, saying, "Tim's bond with Ziya enabled them to take turns caring for each other when a bull unexpectedly joined their morning walk. Thanks to the care provided by Ziya's veterinary team and the protection offered by Nationwide pet insurance, this story of unforeseen trauma has a happy ending!"

The Hambone Award, which aims to shed light on unusual pet insurance claims, is a unique initiative by Nationwide. Ziya's compelling tale garnered public attention leading up to the award's announcement, with a vote held from August 5-12, 2025, to select the year's most extraordinary story from ten finalists. Alongside the honor of receiving the Hambone Award trophy, Ziya and Tim were also presented with a gift card from Petco—a fitting tribute to a hero.

Among the other remarkable stories featured this year were two runners-up: Duke, a lab-mix from Ohio who astonishingly swallowed an entire spatula head after a peanut butter escapade, and Foxtrot, a Great Dane from Texas, who snatched a full turkey leg right out of her owner's hands post-Thanksgiving and gulped it down whole. Each of these tales illustrates the whimsical and occasionally chaotic lives our pets lead.

The origin of the Hambone Award traces back to an amusing incident involving a Nationwide-insured dog, who, after getting stuck in a refrigerator, devoured an entire holiday ham while awaiting rescue. This amusing yet cautionary story serves to remind pet owners of the unexpected adventures their furry companions can embark upon.

Thanks to Nationwide’s innovative pet insurance, Ziya and other nominated pets have received reimbursements for eligible veterinary expenses. For those considering pet insurance, various coverage options are available for dogs, cats, birds, and even exotic pets through PetInsurance.com.

Nationwide insurance is a Fortune 100 company that proudly protects over 1 million pets across the United States. They offer comprehensive plans covering multiple medical issues related to accidents, illnesses, and injuries. With the future of animal companionship always in mind, Nationwide has positioned itself as a leader in this vital industry.

In summary, Ziya's story is not only heartwarming but also illustrates the incredible bond between pets and their guardians. It demonstrates how preparation and awareness, supported by pet insurance, can lead to happy endings even after startling encounters. Explore the joyful journeys of all ten nominees and recognize the extraordinary experiences that our pets encounter every day!