Famous Bus-Riding Dog And Seattle ‘icon’ Dies

Trips started in 2015 when Eclipse, the black labrador-bull mastiff, became well-known in Seattle after she learned to take the bus to the dog park even without her owner. He died at the age of 10.

Eclipse, a black Labrador, had become a firm Seattle favorite and famous worldwide for her solo public transport trips. The strange sensation started in 2015 when her owner, Jeff Young, was finishing a cigarette and failed to notice in time that Eclipse had gotten on the bus by herself. 

The bus then moved off, but Eclipse exited at the correct stop and was later found by Young happily playing at her usual dog park. She then made regular solo trips to the park, usually two to three times per week.

A friend to all, she became well known in her community, especially among fellow bus riders who enjoyed petting the pup on their commute.

King Country Metro, Seattle’s public transit authority, welcomed the peculiar passenger on each trip. Eclipse eventually became its brand ambassador.

In 2015, Eclipse starred in a promotional music video Bus Doggy Dog for King County Metro. With a bus pass strapped to her leash, Eclipse could be seen running all over Seattle, dining at dog-friendly restaurants, shopping for treats, and visiting a local movie theater.

On a Facebook page, he made for his four-legged friend, called “Eclipse Seattle’s Bus Riding Dog”, Young shared she passed shortly after being diagnosed with cancerous tumors.

He wrote: “Thank you all for the heartfelt messages about Eclipse Seattle’s Bus Riding Dog she was loved my so many.. RIP in Doggie Heaven you’ll never be forgotten sweet girl.”

After her passing, King County Metro wrote on Twitter: “Eclipse was a super sweet, world-famous, bus-riding dog and true Seattle icon. You brought joy and happiness to everyone and showed us all that good dogs belong on the bus.”