My previous dog had a favorite toy that I adored as well. A group from a former workplace discovered a seller on Etsy who created a small plush version of our product, but for dogs! It was a chewable newspaper for dogs, closely resembling the paper we published. A miniature replica of something I invested so much time in was now a cherished toy for my standard poodle.

The toy was the ideal size for fetching, fitting perfectly in her mouth as she dashed across the patio. We spent countless afternoons tossing the plush newspaper to one another. After she passed away, I couldn’t bear to part with it. It remains in my closet, and I stored that sweet memory away until I recently encountered some intriguing articles about the beloved dog toy in America, Lamb Chop.

Shari Lewis’s iconic lamb puppet from the 1960s has carved out a special place in the lives of our pets, with everything from seasonal outfits to large and small versions, and even birthday hats. Lamb Chop has become a regular fixture in toy boxes, with fans affectionately referring to it as “lamby.” This fetching toy, shaped perfectly for dogs to carry, is more than just a plaything, especially when pet owners on TikTok celebrate with Lamb Chop-themed parties.

According to the New York Times, about 32% of dog owners today are millennials who grew up enjoying Lamb Chop’s Play-Along in the 90s. Let’s face it, this toy is as much for owners as it is for the dogs, who revel in the nostalgia of tossing around a little Lamb Chop puppet. Beyond just this beloved stuffed animal, a search for dog toys reveals a plethora of quirky items that can match any personality you wish to showcase for your pet. Lamb Chop isn’t the only example of this nostalgic trend.

In New York, dogs can enjoy a bagel and coffee (“Packed with fluff!”), while those in Philadelphia can treat their pets to cotton water ice and pretzels. Dogs in LA may indulge in a “Hollywoof” set. Avid gamers may gift their pets “game bones” or gaming dice for the holidays.

Food enthusiasts can engage their dogs with interactive toys shaped like charcuterie boards or include them in seafood boil fun with multiple plush toys. Disney fans have plenty of options, while some offerings are surprisingly specific, such as Malort bottles, passes for Dolly Parton tours, or classic cookie tins filled with sewing supplies. Each dog toy represents different human groups, showcasing a trend that reflects on the community you wish your dog to be associated with, even tapping into the popular millennial brunch culture.

Of course, dogs don’t grasp the cultural significance of a prominent burning hemp joint. Some of the toy shapes raise genuine questions about playtime logistics; for example, how does one fetch a complete bowl of ramen noodles? Nevertheless, this is irrelevant since these toys truly serve us. They represent our interests and affiliations, forging a cultural connection between us and our pets, inviting them into our families and allowing us to envision them enjoying the same pop culture references we cherish. This concept isn’t new.

Studies of ancient human-animal relationships indicate similar evidence of our desire to include pets in our communities. From as far back as ancient Mesopotamia, the type of collar or necklace a dog wore reflected its owner’s social status and local standing.

Research by Robert Losey from the University of Alberta examines the burial practices of ancient pets, emphasizing that humans would often include personal items, such as spoons, with their deceased animals for the afterlife. These items often conveyed more about the owner’s place in society than they did for the pet, simultaneously helping owners integrate their animals into the family structure. It’s not too different from purchasing your dog a soft film roll as a nod to your photography passion.

Given the historical accounts of Victorians crafting what we would consider enrichment toys for their cherished songbirds, it’s not surprising that we have an affinity for items like tiki plush toys and dog dental activities. Lamb Chop symbolizes our connection just as much as it brings joy to our pets, and there’s nothing better than strengthening family ties.