Brave dog who battled a bull earns Hambone Award

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 17th 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 Tim A. 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. The runners-up were:

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

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.