The Hambone Award traces its origins to a dog that famously trapped itself in a refrigerator, consuming an entire holiday ham before being rescued. Carrying on that tradition of culinary and chaotic curiosity, this year’s nominees include Capone, a Bernedoodle who mistook a baseball for a chew toy, and Diesel and Matilda, a pair of beagles who collectively devoured a two-tier red velvet cake. Others faced more harrowing ordeals, such as Milo Bear, the golden retriever who vanished near Lake Tahoe only to be recovered months later after a microchip scan at a shelter.

Voting for the winner remains open through August 14, 2026, at petinsurance.com/hamboneaward. While the stories range from accidental impalements on rake prongs to the consumption of prescription medications, Dr. Emily Tincher, Nationwide’s chief veterinary officer, notes that the competition serves a higher purpose. Beyond the humor of the mishaps, the award celebrates the resilience of pets and the financial peace of mind provided by veterinary care that turns potential tragedies into survival stories. The ultimate winner will be announced on August 19, with the top vote-getter receiving a trophy and a gift card.