Brave dog who battled a bull earns Hambone Award® for most unusual pet story

Nationwide's 17th annual contest recognizes uncommon pet insurance claims

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ziya, a Belgian Malinois from northern California, who found himself in the middle of a real-life bullfight (minus the red cape), has captured the 17^th annual Hambone Award® which recognizes the most unusual pet insurance claim of the year. Nationwide® presents the award annually to bring awareness to the unexpected and downright outrageous events that can happen to our pets—demonstrating how pet insurance plays an important role in protecting and caring for our companions. 

Ziya was adopted by a longtime dog lover named Tim. This unique pup was training to be a working dog, but his personality was better suited for companionship. Ziya quickly settled into his new role as protector of Tim's 80-acre property, showing off his tracking skills and ever watchful nature.  

This story begins on a quiet morning, when a routine stroll with his pet parents took a wild turn. Out of the misty fog came an unexpected guest: a loose, angry bull. Without hesitation Ziya leapt into action placing himself between the bull and his owners. While his owners escaped to safety, the bull struck Ziya in the jaw, dislodging a tooth and sending him to the emergency vet. Thanks to expert veterinary care, Ziya made a full recovery and now hopes that future walks will not involve horned adversaries.  
 
"Tim's bond with Ziya enabled them to take turns caring for each other when a bull unexpectedly joined their morning walk," said Dr. Emily M. Tincher, Chief Veterinary Officer at Nationwide. "Thanks to the care provided by Ziya's veterinary team and the protection provided by Nationwide pet insurance, this story of unexpected trauma has a happy ending!" 

Nationwide hosted a public vote August 5-12, 2025 to determine the most unusual pet insurance claim story and two runners-up from a field of 10 finalists. Ziya and Tim received the coveted Hambone Award trophy and a Petco gift card, the runners up will also receive Petco gift cards.  

The runners-up were:  

• Duke, a lab-mix from Ohio, who swallowed an entire spatula head after licking off some peanut butter while he was staying at his dog sitter's house.
  
  
• Foxtrot, a Great Dane in Texas, stole a full turkey leg straight from the tongs in her owner's hands the day after Thanksgiving—and swallowed it whole. 

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. Check out the stories of all ten 2025 nominees.   

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.   

About Nationwide pet insurance
With more than 1 million actively insured pets, Nationwide is the first and one of the largest providers of pet insurance in the United States. Nationwide pet insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Products underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Columbus, OH; National Casualty Company (all other states), Columbus, OH. Agency of Record: DVM Insurance Agency. All are subsidiaries of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Insurance terms, definitions and explanations are intended for informational purposes only and do not in any way replace or modify the definitions and information contained in individual insurance contracts, policies or declaration pages, which are controlling. Pet owners can find Nationwide pet insurance on Instagram. For more information about Nationwide pet insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

About Nationwide
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified financial services and insurance organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by Standard & Poor's. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; and pet, motorcycle and boat insurance.

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