Giles, a resident feline of New York City, has snagged the 15th annual Hambone Award for its captivating tale of a misadventure involving a sofa bed.
The Hambone Award, presented annually by Nationwide, recognizes the most extraordinary pet insurance claim of the year. It serves as a platform to shed light on the peculiar and unforeseen incidents involving pets, highlighting the role of pet insurance in safeguarding their well-being.
Named after a character from the beloved TV series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” Giles found its forever home through adoption from a cat rescue in New York City. Currently, it resides with its pet parents, Reid and Kaitlyn, who recounted the incident that led to Giles’ Hambone Award.
“My stepmom said, ‘Something has happened, and we’re really sorry, but [Giles] got trapped under the couch.’ When they put the couch away, they didn’t realize that he was under there and … the mechanism bopped him in the face pretty good,” Reid says. “Luckily, we have a wonderful vet hospital just around the corner from us, so we were able to take him right there. Fortunately, it wasn’t too bad. He did need some stitches … but he was the model patient.”
“Giles’ predicament shows just how easily an ordinary situation can become precarious for a pet,” says Dr. Jules Benson, vice president, Pet Health and chief veterinary officer for Nationwide. “We’re so glad that the quick actions of Giles’ family and their veterinary care team set him up for a speedy recovery.”
Nationwide hosted a public vote on Sept. 13-22 to determine the most unusual story and two runners-up from a field of 10 finalists. Giles, Kaitlyn and Reid received the coveted Hambone Award trophy, a gift card, and a donation to be made in Giles’ honor to an approved pet charity of the family’s choice.
All the nominated pets have made a full recovery and have received reimbursements for eligible veterinary expenses.
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