Cabinet-crushing shepherd earns Hambone Award

Luca, a Massachusetts dog who dismantled a kitchen cabinet, has captured the 16th annual Hambone Award which recognizes the most unusual pet insurance claim of the year. Nationwide presents the award annually to bring awareness to the unique and surprising things that can happen to pets – and how pet insurance plays a role in helping them.

Shiloh shepherd Luca was destined to be a match for his owner, Lori, who has a deep connection in the shepherd rescue community and has fostered and adopted numerous pups. Lori explains how a snafu with Luca’s crate training led to his nomination for the Hambone award.

Luca had been good around the house—and was a something of drama king about staying in his crate—so Lori let him run free while she ran a quick errand. After returning home, Lori explained, “I looked up the stairs and I see my cabinet gone. He pulled the entire cabinet out, track and everything. The barrel and the front of the cabinet was flung over into my dining room.” In addition to the dismantled cabinet, Luca had gotten into the trash that was hidden inside and attempted to eat everything.

"Lori did an amazing job being able to overlook the damage to their home - at least temporarily! - and focus on Luca's health. The corn cobs that Luca had eaten posed an immediate risk of intestinal obstruction and her quick action was critical to a good end result," said Dr. Jules Benson, Vice President, Pet Health and Chief Veterinary Officer for Nationwide. “Credit for this Hambone's happy ending is also due to the efforts of Luca’s veterinary care team – and his family's decision to protect him with Nationwide pet insurance.”

Lori’s experience in the foster world first introduced her to pet health insurance. Having supported many pups over the years, she understands the importance of protecting them from the unexpected, saying, “It gives you the freedom to be prepared for emergencies, if they come up, and just care for your pet.”

Nationwide hosted a public vote August 13-22, 2024, to determine the most unusual story and two runners-up from a field of 8 finalists. Luca and Lori receive the coveted Hambone Award trophy and a Petco gift card.

The runners-up were Lambeau, a mixed-breed from North Carolina who consumed more than 250 jigsaw puzzle pieces and Archie, an excitable mixed-breed pup from New Jersey who went through his front door to greet the mailperson. The families of Archie and Lambeau each receive a Petco gift card.

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.

All nominated pets have recovered and received reimbursements for eligible veterinary expenses from Nationwide pet insurance.

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