Puzzle-noshing pup, toenail-tangled parrot among finalists for Nationwide’s 16th annual Hambone Award®

As any pet parent would know, pets are susceptible to unforeseen mishaps that can lead to impromptu veterinary visits. Since 2009, Nationwide pet insurance has annually presented the Hambone Award to shed light on the everyday and sometimes bizarre incidents that can befall our beloved pets – and how pet insurance plays a role in caring for them.

The Hambone Award was originally named after a Nationwide-insured dog who got stuck in a refrigerator and ate an entire holiday ham while waiting to be discovered. The dog was eventually found, with a licked-clean ham bone and a mild case of hypothermia.

This year’s class of nominees overcame animal encounters, unusual ingestions, self-guided home destruction and even tangled toenails. Voting for this year’s most unusual pet insurance claim is underway now through August 22, 2024, at petinsurance.com/hamboneaward. Results will be shared on August 27, 2024.

Meet the 2024 Hambone Award finalists

• Archie, a mixed-breed pup from New Jersey, broke through a vintage plate glass door and injured his paws while trying to alert his family to the mail carrier. Despite a gruesome scene created in the house, his injuries were not life threatening and just required a few stitches.
• Bear, a Corgi pup in Pennsylvania, found himself in a sticky situation after he sank his teeth into a bottle of nail adhesive and got glue in his mouth. It was a relief to the family to find out that the glue was not poisonous and did not cause any serious health impacts.
• Clover, a Conure parrot from South Jersey, got her feet stuck together when toenails from each foot’s claws became hooked. The veterinarian discovered that a recent growth spurt in her claw nails had created an awkward nail shape on her back foot leading to the tangled talons. Fortunately, it was an easy fix.
• Irma, a Maltese living in Florida, experienced strange, ongoing gastrointestinal issues after apparently ingesting metal wire bits, possibly bristles from a barbecue brush. After an ultrasound revealed the foreign bodies lodged deep in Irma’s digestive system, the veterinarian was able to recommend a new diet that included fiber supplements and a homemade, balanced diet.
• Kodiak, a Gordon setter from Virginia who has history as a serial stone-snacker, ingested two rocks she found in the backyard. Luckily, the veterinarian was able to retrieve one of the rocks without major surgery while the other passed out of her system without issue.
• Lambeau, a mixed breed from North Carolina, had a puzzling snack, consuming more than 250 jigsaw puzzle pieces—eating only the loose pieces, leaving the border and the corners untouched. After an emergency veterinary visit, they were able to recover all the puzzle pieces without surgery.
• Luca, a Shiloh shepherd from Massachusetts, dismantled a kitchen cabinet, pulling it off the hinges while attempting to forage through the garbage bin. While assessing the trash Shiloh left on the floor, his owner discovered bits of corn cob—a major risk for a gastrointestinal obstruction. After receiving veterinary attention, Luca was able to return home and made a quick recovery.
• Skye, a Great Dane from Oregon, squared up with a wily weasel in the family’s backyard. He returned messy and with a small bite wound on his right eyelid. Luckily, Skye was not seriously injured by the weasel experience and made a full recovery.

All nominated pets have made full recoveries and received reimbursements for eligible veterinary expenses from Nationwide pet insurance. For a more detailed account of each story, photos of the nominees, and a link to open voting August 13-22, 2024, visit petinsurance.com/hamboneaward.

"Every year, the Hambone Award celebrates the recoveries of our pet nominees, made possible by the dedication of their pet parents and the expertise of their veterinary healthcare teams,” said Dr. Jules Benson, Vice President, Pet Health and Chief Veterinary Officer for Nationwide. "We applaud both and continue to focus on supporting them as they provide pets with the care they need."

One grand prize winner will receive the coveted Hambone Award trophy and a Petco gift card. Two runners-up will also each receive gift cards from Petco.

To explore pet health insurance coverage for dogs, cats and many avian and exotic pets, visit PetInsurance.com.