In the vibrant, eclectic city of Seattle, a place known for its unique character, one of its most cherished local celebrities wasn’t a musician or a tech mogul, but a fiercely independent and remarkably intelligent dog named Eclipse. For years, this black Labrador-bullmastiff mix was a familiar and welcome sight on the city’s public transportation system, a four-legged commuter who navigated her route to the dog park with a confidence that charmed an entire city and eventually, the world. Recently, the journey for this iconic canine came to a peaceful end, as she passed away at the age of ten.
Eclipse’s unlikely story began not with extensive training, but with a moment of pure impatience. She and her owner, Jeff Young, were waiting at their regular bus stop to head to the Belltown dog park. Young was taking a moment to finish a cigarette, but the bus arrived, and Eclipse, eager to get to her destination, decided she wasn’t going to wait. She hopped aboard the D-Line bus by herself, leaving her owner behind on the curb. The bus driver, already familiar with the pair, recognized her and knew exactly where she was headed. He let her ride the few stops and, true to her routine, she expertly disembarked at the dog park.
From that day forward, it became her signature move. Young realized his clever dog was perfectly capable of making the trip solo. He would often catch up with her at the park a bus or two later. Eclipse had her own bus pass attached to her collar and would patiently wait at the stop, board politely when the bus arrived, and find an open window seat to watch the world go by. Other passengers were initially surprised, but quickly grew to adore her, often taking photos and marveling at her independence. She became the unofficial mascot for King County Metro, a furry ambassador for public transit who brought a smile to everyone she encountered.
Her fame grew from a local curiosity into an international phenomenon. She was featured in news stories around the globe and even starred in a music video produced by King County Metro titled “Bus Dog.” She was a symbol of Seattle’s friendly and quirky nature. Earlier this year, her owner shared the sad news that Eclipse had been diagnosed with cancerous tumors. On a quiet Friday morning, her official social media account announced that she had passed away in her sleep. The news was met with an outpouring of love and grief from a community that felt they had lost a dear friend, proving that this remarkable dog was more than just a passenger—she was a cherished part of the city’s heart.