Hambone Award 2026 - Media Assets

Every year, Nationwide® receives millions of pet insurance claims. Some are routine, but
others are truly one of a kind.

The Nationwide Hambone Award® spotlights the year’s most unusual pet insurance claims.
These stories celebrate the remarkable bond between pets and their families, the
dedication of the veterinary teams who cared for them, and the peace of mind that
Nationwide pet insurance can provide when the unexpected happens.

The Hambone Award is named in honor of a Nationwide-insured dog who got stuck in a
refrigerator and ate an entire holiday ham while waiting for someone to find him. He was
eventually found, with a licked-clean ham bone and a mild case of hypothermia.
Fortunately, he made a full recovery—and inspired this award dedicated to highlighting the
unusual situations that pets can get into.

Meet this year's finalists.

Milo Bear - 2026 Hambone Award Winner

Henry

Hobbes

Capone

Diesel and Matilda

Hampden

Lilliya and Noelle

Lulu

Rolly