Annual Hambone Award Finalists Include Dog Who Swallowed A Whole Turkey Leg

Nationwide Pet Insurance has announced the finalists for its 17th annual Hambone Award, which celebrates the most unconventional incidents leading to unexpected veterinary visits for pets. This year’s finalists include a California Belgian malinois, Ziya, who was kicked in the face by an angry bull while protecting his family; a Tennessee mixed-breed dog, Wash, who lost his appetite after eating too many cicadas; a New York cat, Salem, suspected of swallowing an AirPod; a Virginia bulldog, Maddie, whose mysterious illness was caused by eating a taxidermied alligator; a Great Dane-St. Bernard mix from New Jersey, Hazel, bitten on the paw by a groundhog; and a Texas Great Dane, Foxtrot, who swallowed a turkey leg whole from her owner’s hand. Animal lovers can vote for their favorite nominees on the Hambone Award website until August 12th. The winning pet will receive a trophy and a Petco gift card. (UPI)

PHONE TOPIC: Tell us about the hilarious reason your pet needed a vet vist