The Hambone Award, presented by Nationwide, is an annual celebration of the most unusual pet insurance claims of the year. Named after a dog who ate an entire holiday ham while stuck in a refrigerator, the award aims to highlight the unexpected incidents that can happen to our beloved pets. This year’s finalists showcase a range of bizarre and sometimes humorous situations that pets have found themselves in.
One of the finalists, Archie, a dog from New Jersey, injured his paws when he broke through a vintage plate glass door while trying to alert his family of the mail carrier’s arrival. Another finalist, Bear, a corgi from Pennsylvania, bit into a bottle of nail adhesive and ended up gluing his mouth shut. These incidents may seem comical, but they highlight the importance of pet insurance in covering unexpected accidents and injuries.
Clover, a parrot from New Jersey, also made the list after a growth spurt caused her toenails to hook together. In Florida, a dog named Irma suffered from gastrointestinal issues after ingesting metal wire pieces believed to be from a barbecue brush. Similarly, a dog named Gordon from Virginia swallowed two large rocks from her owner’s garden. These incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of pet owners being vigilant and ensuring their pets are safe from potential hazards.
The final finalist, Lambeau, a dog from North Carolina, managed to eat over 250 jigsaw puzzle pieces. While these incidents may seem unusual and even humorous, they highlight the importance of pet owners being prepared for unexpected situations and having the necessary resources, such as pet insurance, to cover any resulting medical expenses.
Despite the unusual circumstances, all of the pets nominated for the Hambone Award have made full recoveries, thanks to the dedication of their pet parents and the expertise of their veterinary healthcare teams. The public has the opportunity to vote for their favorite finalist, with the winner set to be announced on August 27th. This award not only celebrates the recoveries of these pets but also recognizes the importance of providing pets with the care they need in times of unexpected emergencies.
In conclusion, the Hambone Award serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of pet ownership and the importance of being prepared for any situation. By highlighting these unusual pet insurance claims, Nationwide aims to shed light on the everyday and sometimes bizarre incidents that can befall our beloved pets. The dedication of pet parents and veterinary healthcare teams in ensuring the well-being of these pets is commendable, and the Hambone Award serves as a platform to celebrate their efforts.