Hambone Award

The Hambone Award is presented annually by the Veterinary Pet Insurance Company subsidiary of Nationwide Insurance to the family of the pet that wins a public vote determining whose injuries were caused by the most unusual circumstances.

History
It is named for an unusual accident suffered by a client covered by a pet insurance policy, an unnamed dog who reportedly was trapped in a refrigerator for several hours and suffered a mild case of hypothermia while waiting for rescue, consuming the family's holiday ham during the process. The winner receives a bronze ham-shaped trophy, a gift card, and an award to be donated to an approved pet-related charity.

Voting is open for approximately one week. The first winner, Lulu, made a televised appearance on Rachael Ray.