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The 2026 Hambone Award Finalists: A Celebration of Unique Pet Mishaps

In the whimsical world of pet ownership, sometimes misadventures lead to comical yet dangerous situations. The 2026 Hambone Award, presented by Nationwide, shines a spotlight on some of the most bizarre pet insurance claims of the year. From cake indulgence to wildlife encounters, these tales remind us of the unexpected antics our beloved pets can get themselves into and the importance of having pet insurance.

The Inspiration Behind the Hambone Award

Named after a Nationwide-insured dog that had a mishap involving a holiday ham, the Hambone Award celebrates unusual yet heartwarming stories of pet recoveries. The inaugural story of the award features a pup who got trapped in a refrigerator while devouring a delicious ham. His journey from getting stuck to a full recovery set the tone for this annual event. Now, this year’s finalists showcase not just the hilarity of their predicaments but also the compassionate care that follows.

Meet the Finalists

1. Capone the Bernedoodle - This California pup decided that a baseball would make the perfect chew toy. Unfortunately, after shredding it to pieces and swallowing the cover, Capone’s adventure took a risky turn. Thanks to the guidance from Nationwide's VetHelpline, he received the treatment he needed and has fully recovered.

2. Diesel and Matilda the Beagles - These two Arizona beagles definitely had a sweet tooth! They snuck into the pantry and devoured almost an entire two-tier red velvet cake. Their indulgence raised some alarm, but the duo managed to bounce back after medical attention.

3. Hampden the Goldendoodle - Frustrated by a late dinner, Hampden took his grievances out on a vintage Ugandan drum, eating part of the drum skin. Veterinarians had to remove half of the drum from his stomach, but he, too, made a complete recovery.

4. Henry the Labrador Retriever - Known for his obsession with fetch, Henry had a close call when he chased a ball into a yard cleanup area and impaled his paw on a rake prong. After consulting with VetHelpline, he received appropriate care and is once again chasing balls with vigor.

5. Hobbes the Domestic Shorthair Cat - In a dangerous close call, Hobbes dashed into the garage just as the door was closing. Fortunately, he managed to slip past the safety sensors, but he didn’t escape the garage door itself unharmed. A swift rush to treatment ensured Hobbes returned to his regular antics soon after.

6. Lilliya and Noelle the Borzois - After a playful mischief, these two borzois helped themselves to a whole bottle of beef liver-flavored prescriptions. Following their intake of all 14 tablets, they required immediate medical intervention but returned to their playful selves shortly thereafter.

7. Lulu the Mixed-Breed Dog - While keeping watch from her chaise lounge for any squirrels, Lulu slipped and landed on a metal candle holder. The resulting injury required stitches and some pain management, but she quickly returned to her lookout.

8. Milo Bear the Golden Retriever - Perhaps one of the most dramatic stories, Milo disappeared into the snowy wilderness for an astonishing 72 days after being startled during a Christmas outing. Thanks to his microchip being scanned at a shelter, he was reunited with his family and received necessary care.

9. Rolly the Standard Poodle - Known for chasing iguanas, Rolly took a turn for the worse when he decided to eat a dead one. His unusual meal made him seriously ill, but, thankfully, Rolly eventually made a full recovery.

The Voting Process and Celebrating Recoveries

The voting for the 18th annual Hambone Award started on August 3 and runs through August 14, 2026. Pet lovers can cast their votes at petinsurance.com/hamboneaward. The winner will be announced on August 19, 2026, and will take home the coveted Hambone Award trophy and a Petco gift card.

Dr. Emily Tincher, Nationwide's Chief Veterinary Officer, emphasizes not only the humor in these stories but also the invaluable relationship between pets and their owners. “These peculiar situations highlight the extraordinary bond between people and pets, and the compassionate care that helps turn close calls into recoveries,” she stated.

In the end, all finalists have made full recoveries, with their medical expenses reimbursed thanks to Nationwide pet insurance. For anyone considering pet insurance, the stories of Capone, Diesel, Matilda, and their fellow finalists serve as a heartfelt reminder of the peace of mind that comes with safeguarding the health of our furry family members.

To learn more about pet health insurance and explore comprehensive coverage options, visit PetInsurance.com.