Family dog saw a raging bull charge his owners — and his split-second decision saved every life, including his own
Family pets are often seen as loyal companions, but sometimes, they become protectors in the most unexpected moments. One family dog proved just how far that loyalty can go when a peaceful walk turned into a life-threatening encounter. The family found themselves face-to-face with a raging bull, and in that critical moment, their dog acted in an instant, making a quick decision that protected everyone.
That act of bravery has now landed Ziya, the heroic Belgian Malinois, among the top 10 finalists for Nationwide Pet Insurance’s 17th annual Hambone Award in 2025. While the award often celebrates unusual or chaotic pet antics, Ziya’s story is remarkable for a very different reason. His courage in a dangerous moment. Stepping between an escaped bull and his family, Ziya’s quick actions were not just instinctive; they were life-saving.
The incident happened during a foggy morning walk on Ziya’s family’s 80-acre California property, which is partly leased to cattle farmers. As the family strolled, an agitated bull that had breached a fence suddenly appeared. “This bull starts snorting and stomping his feet. So, we’re like, ‘Okay, we’re in a bull fight right now,’” said Tim A., Ziya’s owner. Without hesitation, Ziya stepped between the charging bull and his owners, giving them enough time to escape. The bull struck Ziya in the jaw, knocking out a tooth, but the dog fully recovered soon after.
Ziya’s family credits him completely for keeping them safe. “He's highly protective and always alert,” Tim shared with Nationwide. Ziya had originally been trained as a working dog but didn’t pass the program. That “failure” led him to a home where his instincts could shine in a very different way. Now, with a Hambone Award nomination and extra love from those he saved, Ziya’s story is being celebrated far beyond his own backyard. “I honestly think humans don’t deserve them sometimes. Everybody should be a dog person,” Tim added, proud of the hero they never saw coming.
While Ziya’s courage saved lives, the rest of the Hambone Award contenders highlight the more mischievous and sometimes chaotic side of pets. From a New Jersey pup who burned his mouth on a hot chicken bone to a New York cat that swallowed an AirPod, these pets kept their families and vets on their toes. Across the country, other nominees included dogs who ate everything from TV remotes to turkey legs, a Havanese pup that became ill after chewing a pollen-covered bouquet, and a Yorkie who swallowed a TV remote while the family desperately looked for a missing battery. Together, the list shows that whether through mischief or heroism, pets always leave a lasting impression, reminding us of the loyalty, unpredictability, and surprise they bring to everyday life.