An unlucky dog from Pennsylvania has picked up a hotly-contested insurance award after sustaining an unusual injury during a hiking trip.
Hound-mix Rooster was crowned the winner of US insurer Nationwide’s 9th annual Hambone Awards – which recognise the most bizarre pet insurance claims – after impaling himself on a large tree branch.
The foot-long branch missed Rooster’s lungs by less than an inch and he needed life-saving surgery as a result of the accident.
As the 2017 Hambone Award winner, Rooster will receive a trophy and a Nationwide gift bag filled with toys, treats and various pet supplies.
The Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center – where Rooster was treated – will also receive a US$10,000 Nationwide-funded award through the Veterinary Care Foundation to help treat pets in their community whose owners could otherwise not afford veterinary care.
While his close shave secured Rooster first place, he only just beat Butterscotch the Great Pyrenees Irish setter mix of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Butterscotch was electrocuted during a walk in the city after he stepped in a puddle that was exposed to a live wire.
Another unlucky dog – Star, of South Bend, Indianapolis – came in third place after she fell into a hidden manhole.
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