Putin dog toy proves a hit fundraiser for Ukraine

Stationery shop Austin and Co has been selling the 'Vladimir' dog toys with all money going to dog rescue shelters in Ukraine.

Already, the first batch of 20 has sold out in two days with £430 being split between the International Fund for Animal Welfare and Transform a Street Dog.

Another 30 have been ordered and orders are quickly adding up.

Sean Austin said after seeing the horrific scenes of the Russian invasion of Ukraine he sat in his shop on Worcester Road, Malvern, trying to figure out a way to help.

He said: "Sat here in Malvern, in a shop that sells nice cards and stationery, it's difficult to comprehend that less than 2000 miles away us, a major European country is going through hell.

"I was thinking how a quirky independent shop in the English Shires could help the cause, and the only way I could think of is to do what we do best; a mix of our dry humour, quirk, and dogs."

The Vladimir toys are selling for £20 with every penny going to the charity.

Worcestershire collections and donations for Ukraine

Mr Austin's fundraiser is one of many efforts in Worcestershire to give donations and hold collections to help the people in Ukraine.

Lorries loaded with donations have left the city bound for Poland where many Ukrainian refugees are arriving.

The response to Mr Austin's appeal has been overwhelming with some people also donating instead of purchasing a toy.

"We've sold out of our initial consignment in two days, raising over £400.

Bess the Beardie with the Vladimir toy bought by her owner Lucy Lenham.

"We knew they would be popular having stocked similar toys in the past of the Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Donald Trump.

"The next consignment of 30 toys is on the way and all profits from this order will go towards further helping dog rescue charities in the Ukraine.

"We already have customers on the reserve list."

To pre-order a Vladimir toy, visit: https://www.facebook.com/AustinAndCo