Wikipedia states HERE:
Lamb Chop is a sock puppet anthropomorphic sheep
created by the puppeteer and ventriloquist Shari Lewis.
The character first appeared during Lewis's guest appearance
on Captain Kangaroo in March 1956.
Technically speaking, I did not grow up with Shari Lewis & her puppets;
we didn't have a television until I was almost out of my teens,
but I do remember seeing her on programs like THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW.
I found her humor quite adult-oriented, but also "innocent",
as Lamb Chop was supposed to be a six-year-old girl.
There are MANY videos of her performances on YouTube,
and they are still fun to watch.
A performance in January 1961 was on THE FORD SHOW,
hosted by Tennessee Ernie FORD and sponsored by FORD Motor Company -
that's what passed for early 1960s humor,
before LAUGH-IN came along in 1967 and broke all the rules;
it can be seen HERE, beginning at 13:33
(SIDE NOTE: Charlie Brown and Linus are shilling
for FORD at the intro to this show,
four years before A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
was released in December 1965.)
A much more recent performance I found whilst doing some research
was THE NANNY: FRAN MEETS LAMB CHOP,
which can be seen HERE.
Why this sudden popularity as a dog toy?
Lamb Chop was the most-purchased dog toy in 2024.
If you GOOGLE "Lamb Chop dog toy popular"
you will be able to read many (MANY) articles opining on this.
Personally, I wonder how many of those
who purchase Lamb Chop for their dog[s]
grew up with Shari Lewis and her puppets,
and if that could be a reason, or one among many.
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NOW, ON TO THE HOWLIDAY CARDS . . .