Rachel and Lamb Chop’s Slumber Pawty

Lamb Chop isn’t just a shelter pet, she’s an answer to one of my biggest prayers! 

I had sworn off ever getting another pet after my 15 year old shih tzu Tiny Dog passed away from kidney failure. I was completely heartbroken and couldn’t handle ever losing something I loved that much ever again: But if I ever were by chance to get another dog, I would have to name them Lamb Chop, because that was Tiny Dog’s favorite toy (she had about 20!)

Fast forward to March 2025, about six months after TD’s passing— and I got a text from my former co-worker and friend Jordan Bani-Younes. Jordan works with Kansas Humane Society in their social media department. He had an incredibly neglected, small maltese mix that needed a good home. Her previous owner had been arrested—and her jaw was off set so badly her tongue permanently hung out to the side of her mouth (one vet told me he believed her jaw was kicked in as a puppy, causing this facial deformity). 

This dog’s name was “Sweeney” but man she sure did look exactly like a Lamb Chop to me (literally, she looks just like the toy!) Sweeney was only a year old but neglect had left her looking about 20 years old. Her fur was matted so deeply that when she was groomed, her toe was accidentally cut. Her bone was literally hanging out from her toe when the cast was removed.

I kept making up so many excuses for why I couldn’t visit Sweeney—first there was too long of a wait—then I was going to be out of town. But thankfully I forced myself to go—and inevitably make the best decision of my life. On March 30, 2025 I adopted “Lamb Chop”. She was so emaciated she weighed only 7 lbs. (For reference: Today she weights almost 14)

When I brought Lamb Chop home it was clear to see she was scared and had been severely abused. She had no idea how to play with toys. She would take them behind the couch and hide them. She would also hide. She’d find any pile of clothing or box and bury herself all the time. It was obviously something she had done a lot of in her first year of life. 

Not only was she scared but she was starving. Lamb Chop would DEVOUR her food literally as it was going in the bowl.

I believe Lamb Chop had been beaten. The one time she accidentally pooped in the house she started doing what I could only describe as “hyperventilating”.

  But  after a couple of days, I will never forget when Lamb Chop finally found some peace. She slept in my arms, with her little cast draped over me, and slept the deepest sleep in the world. I could tell she hadn’t experienced relaxation and peace like this very much in her previous “home” 

As time went on Lamb Chop’s tear stains disappeared. She stopped hiding. Occasionally she’d even squeak a toy or two.  Her cast and cone got removed and she was finally realizing I wasn’t a bad person—she could trust people! It’s been the most beautiful experience seeing Lamb Chop become the hilarious little dog she is today. 

This March 30, 2026 will mark one year since I got my best friend Lamb Chop. She now is able to get along with other dogs, is obsessed with eating bones, and has so many toys she can’t even keep track of them. She weighs 14 lbs, plays all the time and she is practically fearless—she barks at every big dog she sees! The only time she is not at peace nowadays is when her brother, Coach, steals her bone.

She even recently got to go visit the people at KHS who had saved her life. She’ll be back this April for this Slumber Pawty we’re trying to raise money for.

Please if you can, help Lamb Chop and I raise money for other little dogs and cats out there at KHS get help and ultimately their permanent homes.

As for Tiny Dog, thank you for sending me Lamb Chop and for being my original best friend ❤️