This Adorable New Dog Toy Will Complement Your VW ID Buzz and Support a Worthy Cause

      Volkswagen

      Two giants from their respective fields have teamed up for a unique collaboration, but not in the way you might expect. The iconic VW Bus, a symbol of van life, and the popular pet company Kong have joined forces to create a dog chew toy, with proceeds benefiting animal shelters across the country.

      The VW KONG For a Cause dog toy is designed with inspiration from the VW ID.Buzz and comes in a unique cabana blue color. This exclusive chew toy, available only through Volkswagen, is priced at $13.99 and will be sold "while supplies last." The motivation behind this partnership is multi-dimensional: it celebrates the transformation of the Type 2 Bus into the ID.Buzz EV, highlights the VW-Kong connection, and honors puppies. Aww, puppies!

      Volkswagen

      Sunday, March 23, marks National Puppy Day, and all net proceeds from the sales of this collaborative chew toy will go to VCA Charities. This charitable branch of Veterinary Centers of America, now simply known as VCA, provides support to shelters and animal welfare organizations throughout the U.S. You can either purchase a toy or adopt a furry friend—either way, it promises to be a joyful weekend for a pup.

      So, why partner with Volkswagen instead of another car manufacturer? Because without VW, there wouldn't be a Kong.

      Kong is well-known among pet owners, particularly dog parents, for its rubber chew toy shaped like a snowman, which is said to resemble an earplug for King Kong—hence the brand's name. However, the brand's origin story has a quirky connection to a VW Type 2 Bus.

      According to legend, Fritz, the cherished dog of Kong founder Joe Markham, had a habit of destructive chewing. He gnawed on sticks, stones, and bones until he discovered a spare rubber axle stop from a VW van. While Markham was working on his vehicle, he discarded this bouncy suspension component, which Fritz found to be an endless source of joy.

      The similarity between this part and Kong's famous chew toy is not merely coincidence. Markham tried to order the VW piece in bulk but couldn't find the right corporate contact. So, he decided to create a version himself, leading to the establishment of Kong.

      This naturally raises the question of why these two pet-friendly brands didn’t collaborate before now.