The original and iconic Kong dog toy’s origins come from a Volkswagen Bus. That makes it fitting that VW and the toy brand are coming together to collaborate on a toy inspired by the retro-designed electric ID.Buzz. This isn’t just any toy, though — it’s one with a cause. Volkswagen and Kong are selling special limited-edition dog toys with net sales to go to dogs in need.
First Kong Came From VW Spare Parts
If you’ve already heard the story about the first Volkswagen Kong dog toy, that’s too bad. You’ll hear it again — because it’s a great one.
The story comes from an auto repair shop in Denver in 1970. Company founder Joe Markham had a German Shepherd and best friend named Fritz (can you tell it was a VW shop?) who chewed up everything around.
One day, Fritz was lounging around — sorry, attentively protecting — the shop when Markham noticed Fritz chewing on an axle stop from one of the VW buses he was working on. Bad dog (never!) … Good idea!
Markham took the part and turned it into something that was meant for dogs. The company might even have managed to out-manufacture VW by this point.
The part, by the way, was a “rubber stop on rear axle tube.” And a quick search shows you can still find them, VW part number 211 501 201.
This Kong Is Inspired by the Original Biting Relationship
OK, back to this toy. There’s a new Bus in town, and it’s called the ID. Buzz. It’s electric, not air-cooled, and it doesn’t appear to have a rubber axle stop, but that’s ok.
Volkswagen and Kong wanted to mark the connection, bring attention to the new Buzz, and to celebrate National Puppy Day. Which is March 23, but it should be every single day.
Enter the special limited-edition VW Kong for a Cause dog toy. It comes in Cabana Blue, and it is designed with ID. Buzz inspiration. The toys will go on sale through Volkswagen’s main site and its enthusiast merch website while supplies last.
100% of net proceeds from this toy will go to VCA Charities. The charity’s network of animal shelters helps support pets in need across the country. VW and Kong will also donate one toy for every toy purchased to local shelters through VCA Charities.
Dogs Need to Play, So Give Them a Volkswagen Kong Dog Toy
“At Kong, we believe that Dogs Need to Play, and this collaboration with VW and VCA Charities allows us to spread the joys of playtime while supporting a worthy cause,” said Brian Decker, VP of Marketing, Kong. “There’s no better way to celebrate our history and National Puppy Day than by giving back to the pets who need it most.”
If you want to snap up a Volkswagen Kong dog toy, you’d better get at it. And our apologies to Subaru, the usual go-to doggo brand. We still think you’re still good bois, though.
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