Boston Yeti sells swag to benefit animals

BOSTON -- The Boston Yeti is using its newfound notoriety to help some fellow furry friends.

The abominable snowman gained a huge following on social media during Boston's epic winter by running around the city in costume and stopping to help dig out stranded drivers. Now the unidentified prankster is selling Yeti swag to raise money for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

All the proceeds from the sales of stickers, buttons and bookmarks will benefit the MSPCA's Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston.

The Yeti said in an email: "I can think of no better way to spin one's popularity than for the benefit of animals in need. From the beginning of this unprecedented winter, I've been determined to channel the positive energy that surrounds me toward an important and worthwhile cause."

The swag, illustrated with quirky line drawings of the Yeti by Rhode Island-based artist Jeff Smith, is being sold through an Etsy store dubbed Boston Yetsy: etsy.com/shop/BostonYetsy.

MSPCA spokesman Rob Halpin said the animal welfare organization is grateful for the help.

"This is one of those moments when a social media flash in the pan has longer and more valuable legs than anyone ever thought that it could," Halpin said.

"Blizzard after blizzard, the Yeti was a constant source of amusement and mystery for everybody just to get through the winter," he said. "It's wonderful that the Yeti would surface in the spring to aid his fellow four-legged friends who are in shelters."