Dog Wins 2024 Hambone Award for Unplanned “Home Remodeling” Adventure

Luca, a Shiloh shepherd from Massachusetts, has just been awarded the 2024 Hambone Award for one of the most unusual pet incidents of the year. Luca’s misadventure began with a desire to get into the kitchen trash—an urge that led to quite a bit of chaos for Luca and his owner, Lori.

It all happened when Lori left Luca at home while she ran some errands. Left to his own devices, Luca set his sights on the trash, which was cleverly tucked away inside a kitchen cabinet. Apparently, that barrier wasn’t enough to stop him. Determined to get at whatever tempting leftovers were inside, Luca went all in—literally. He tore the kitchen cabinet out of its spot, flung it across the living room, and dismantled it entirely just to reach the hidden trash.

Unfortunately for Luca, his daring “home remodeling” feat didn’t end well. Among the scraps he dug out of the trash were a few corn cobs, which he managed to swallow. Corn cobs can be dangerous for dogs, causing serious blockages in their intestines, and Luca was no exception. Lori had to rush him to the vet, where an emergency procedure saved the day.

The Hambone Award, presented annually by Nationwide Insurance, celebrates the strangest pet insurance claims of the year. It often highlights the unexpected (and often hilarious) lengths pets go to when their curiosity gets the best of them. Named after a dog who once got stuck in a refrigerator while trying to eat an entire Thanksgiving ham, the award celebrates stories that are bizarre yet remind us of the unpredictable nature of our beloved pets.

Luca’s cabinet-destroying antics won him this year’s Hambone Award, beating out other contenders with his commitment to getting into the trash at any cost—even if it meant a full kitchen makeover. Thankfully, Luca recovered from his misadventure, and while his home remodeling efforts weren’t exactly what Lori had planned, it’s clear he’s earned himself a place in the Hambone Hall of Fame.

This award not only highlights Luca’s unforgettable escapade but also reminds pet owners everywhere about how determined—and creative—dogs can be when it comes to food. Whether it’s scaling countertops or, in Luca’s case, tearing apart furniture, pets can always surprise us with their unique ways of getting what they want.