New 28-foot mural honoring the bond between the Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani and her dog Decoy recently headed up to Los Angeles, and it’s giving us all the feels.
A work of art, created by an artist Alex “Ali” Gonzalezcaptures the moment that melted every baseball fan’s heart: the high-five between Decoy and Ohtani after the Cubs threw the ceremonial first pitch of the 2024 season.
The mural now resides on the wall of the Pawdise Parka newly opened dog park and cafe in LA’s Arts District at 435 Molino St., Los Angeles, CA 90013.
Pawradise Park is more than just a picture. The area includes indoor and outdoor dog areas, off-leash areas, a members-only lounge and community-oriented café area.
Hours run Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. — so whether you’re a morning coffee person or an evening Instagrammer, the mural awaits.
Baseball’s Biggest Four-Legged Celebrity
The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje — he tried to say that five times fast — first came into the limelight when he appeared by Ohtani’s side during the announcement of his 2023 American League MVP Award on MLB Network.
That was Ohtani’s second MVP award, and Decoy stole the rest of it.
His full name is “Dekopin,” which is Japanese for winking someone’s forehead with a finger, usually as a light punishment or joke. Ohtani shortened it to Decoy for simplicity.
According to the American Kennel Clubthis breed is “alive, fast, confident, personable and alert.”
The AKC adds: “The breed is reliable, easy going and friendly at home.
Sounds like you belong at Dodger Stadium.
First Voice Inspirational Mural
On August 28, 2024, Decoy threw out the first pitch before the Dodgers’ home game against the Baltimore Orioles. He ran from the bat to home plate with the ball in his mouth, dropped it in front of Ohtani, and gave him a high-five.
Fans at the game received a special bobblehead featuring Ohtani and Decoy — an instant collector’s item that featured stadium sound.
“It’s a really special night. I hope to buy him a special snack,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton after the game, per MLB.com.
Decoy Keeps Showing Big Times
When Ohtani was announced as the 2024 National League MVP, Decoy was there. After the announcement, she got so excited she jumped on the couch and passed out — a moment that quickly went viral.
Then in November 2025, Ohtani made history as the second MLB player to win three consecutive MVP awards – his fourth win total. Decoy was there again, next to him for the announcement.
And the awards aren’t just for Ohtani anymore.
The Baseball Writers’ Association of America handed out its first-ever Most Valuable Dog award at the BBWAA Awards Dinner on January 25. Decoy won. He got his own plate.
Owner of MVP and MVD puppy.
Decoy’s Off-Field Resumés Stacked
The dog has his own fake passport. He was spotted inside Ohtani’s suit on the All-Star red carpet. He appeared on Ohtani’s side of Decoy’s songs for Players’ Weekend.
He is also a published character. A children’s book titled “Decoy Saves Opening Day” was released on February 3.
The story follows Decoy, who is tasked with throwing out the first pitch to owner Ohtani on Opening Day, but he forgot his lucky baseball at home and has to run to retrieve it during the big throw.
Los Angeles Dodger star Shohei Ohtani may be among the most breathless of baseball historians — but to his teammates, he’s just another guy in the clubhouse. “He’s just a regular guy,” Dodgers star Mookie Betts exclusively told Us Weekly last month when discussing his collaboration with Corona’s Playa Sounds. […]
Mural by Pawdise Park it is already shaping up to be a must-visit destination. Bring your dog. Take a picture. Decoy would agree.
