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Unforgettable Pet Adventures: 2025 Hambone Award Finalists

Each year, the Hambone Award celebrates some of the most unbelievable stories from our furry friends, brought to you by Nationwide Pet Insurance. This year marks the 17th iteration of this fun and meaningful event, highlighting the often unpredictable journeys our pets embark on, sometimes leading to surprising visits to the vet. The origins of the award stem from a memorable incident involving a dog named Hambone, who found himself in a fridge, devouring an entire holiday ham—a story that set the precedent for all the wild claims that followed.

Nationwide invites you to meet the unique finalists for the 2025 award, showcasing a collection of pets that faced unexpected challenges in the most outlandish ways. Voting is open from August 5th to August 12th, 2025, where pet lovers can choose which story resonates with them the most. The winning pet will be honored with the coveted trophy along with Petco gift cards for the top contenders.

Meet the Nominees for the 2025 Hambone Award

1. Ziya the Bull-Fighting Malinois (California)
On a misty morning in the Bay Area, Ziya found himself brave enough to leap between a rampaging bull and his human companions. In the heat of the moment, he was kicked and dislodged a tooth but recovered fully thanks to excellent veterinary care. Ziya now hopes that future walks will avoid any more unexpected encounters with cattle.

2. Wash the Cicada Enthusiast (Tennessee)
Wash couldn't resist the summer cicada invasion in his yard. Unfortunately, his adventurous snack left him with a smelly belly and a lost appetite, leading to a trip to the vet. After a bland diet adjustment, he bounced back and is now more cautious with his snacking habits.

3. Salem the Mystery Cat (New York)
When an AirPod went missing, all evidence pointed to Salem. Despite intensive searching—including vet consultations and musical tests—the AirPod remained elusive. Though the mystery was never solved, Salem is content and fully healthy.

4. Ozi the Remote-Control Muncher (California)
Ozi took binge-watching too literally when he chewed up the TV remote control. After swallowing a battery, an emergency vet visit confirmed his adventurous taste, but the batteries were later found safe and sound under the couch. Ozi has since been banned from unsupervised TV sessions.

5. Maddie the Bulldog (Virginia)
Maddie’s health scare stemmed from a mysterious bout of illness that ended with her regurgitating strange objects resembling bones. The culprit? A taxidermied alligator that had gone astray in the house. After alerting the vet about potential toxins and receiving treatment, Maddie made a full recovery.

6. Hazel the Groundhog Hunter (New Jersey)
Curious Hazel dug a hole only to discover it was a groundhog's entrance. After a minor injury during her wild chase, she was promptly treated by her vet and quickly healed.

7. Foxtrot the Thanksgiving Turkey Bandit (Texas)
Post-Thanksgiving, Foxtrot outwitted her owner, snatching an entire turkey leg and swallowing it whole. Thankfully, quick thinking and a vet’s guidance helped her recover without complications.

8. Duke the Kitchen Daredevil (Ohio)
Duke took a licking of peanut butter too far, accidentally swallowing a spatula head. His adventurous spirit led to a visit that required an endoscopy, but he was soon back to his playful self.

9. Boone the Grill Master (New Jersey)
Boone's grilling aspirations led to a mouthful of chicken that didn't go down well, resulting in a vet visit for a choking hazard and burns. Thanks to fast action from his owners, he successfully recovered.

10. Bella the Floral Catastrophe (Illinois)
Bella turned a harmless flower bouquet into a colorful disaster. After sampling the blooms, she ended up with a very upset stomach that required veterinary attention.

Each of these remarkable pets has successfully recovered and received care through Nationwide’s® Pet Insurance. To read their full stories and to cast your vote between August 5 and August 12, visit petinsurance.com/hamboneaward.

Dr. Emily M. Tincher, Nationwide’s Chief Veterinary Officer states, “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.” With more than a million pets covered by Nationwide, this event not only highlights individual stories but also underscores the importance of pet health insurance, protecting our companions through their unexpected adventures.

Check out Nationwide’s offerings for pet health insurance tailored for dogs, cats, and exotic pets at petinsurance.com.