The adventurous cat, Minnow, returned home from a 21-day journey emaciated and with a broken rib. The owner, Andrea, attributes her survival to the protection of her guardian angel, Andrea’s late husband.

From Alpharetta, Georgia, the story of Minnow’s life saving rescue and miraculous recovery earned her the title of “Most Unusual Pet Insurance Claim of the Year” for the 11th annual Hambone Award decided by a public vote.

Minnow was treated by the veterinary team at Midway Animal Hospital in Alpharetta, where the staff administered life-saving care. For this outstanding work, the Midway Animal Hospital received the Nationwide-funded top prize of $10,000 through the Veterinary Care Foundation (VCF) to help treat pets in their community whose owners could otherwise not afford treatment. One hundred percent of all donations to the VCF are used to treat pets, with no contributions used for administration, fundraising or overhead.

To learn more about how Minnow’s touching journey, go to her full story.

Each year, Nationwide utilizes the Hambone Award to honor local veterinary practices for their pivotal care and provide them additional funds for pets in need.

All five veterinary practices that treated this year’s finalists for “Most Unusual Pet Insurance Claim of the Year” received a portion of the $30,000 funds to treat pets whose owners could not otherwise afford treatment.

Second Place – Max, the Great Pyrenees from San Marcos, Texas got ‘boar’ than he expected when his head got too close to a hog trap. The treating practice, BluePearl Hospital received $7,000 to benefit future pets.

Third Place – Jasper, the cat from Leander, Texas was treated for heat exposure after narrowly escaping a dryer disaster when he got stuck in the fluff cycle. The treating practice, Central Texas Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital North, received $5,000 to benefit future pets.

Fourth Place – Frank, the Rottweiler from Keyport, New Jersey found himself in a prickly situation after sniffing a porcupine put quills up his snout. The treating practice, Newton Animal Hospital received $4,000 to benefit future pets.

Fifth Place – Tippy, the athletic Border Collie mix from Arroyo Grande, California barreled into a steel trailer hitch while playing fetch and injured her snout. The treating practice, Central Coast Pet Emergency received $4,000 to benefit future pets.

“Our annual Hambone Award is a great reminder that pets can make remarkable recoveries because of the diligence of their owners and the incredible skills of their treating veterinarians,” said Carol McConnell, DVM, MBA, vice president and chief veterinary officer for Nationwide. “These veterinary practices will now have the opportunity to save more animals in need without as much financial concern.”

All nominated pets have made full recoveries and received Nationwide insurance reimbursements for eligible veterinary expenses. Minnow received the bronze Hambone Award trophy as well as a basket of goodies, courtesy of Nationwide.