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