Shohei Ohtani and Decoy Are the Stars of a New Mural at a Unique L.A. Dog Park
A massive new mural celebrating Shohei Ohtani and his dog Decoy now covers a wall at Pawradise Park, the recently opened dog park and café in the Arts District.
The 28-foot artwork, created by artist Alex “Ali” Gonzalez, captures the moment Decoy gave Ohtani a high-five after delivering the ceremonial first pitch at Dodger Stadium during the 2024 season.
It’s joyful, distinctly L.A., and the kind of wall you and your pup will want to pose in front of immediately.
Inside the New Pawradise Park
Pawradise Park sits at 435 Molino St., Los Angeles, CA 90013.
The venue goes well beyond a standard dog park, with indoor and outdoor dog areas, off-leash spaces, a members-only lounge, and a café designed for dog owners who want to linger.
Morning coffee while your dog stretches its legs in the off-leash area. A longer weekend hangout at the café. The space was built to take both your needs and your dog’s needs seriously.
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.
Those extended weekend hours make it a solid Friday evening or Saturday morning stop — grab a drink, let your dog roam, and get a photo in front of the mural before word spreads.
The Moment Behind the Mural
The artwork depicts a specific scene from Aug. 28, 2024, when Decoy delivered the ceremonial first pitch before the Dodgers’ home game against the Baltimore Orioles.
Decoy ran from the mound 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.
“It’s a really special night. I hope to buy some special snacks for him,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton after the game, per MLB.com.
That playful energy between owner and dog is what Gonzalez captured in the mural — and the kind of moment any dog owner can relate to.
Who is Shohei Ohtani’s Dog Decoy?
Decoy (called “Dekopin” in Japanese) is a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, a breed you may not have encountered at your local dog park.
According to the American Kennel Club, the breed is “lively, agile, self-confident, good-natured and alert.” He is also “faithful, easy-going and friendly in the home. Outdoors he is a true sporting dog being keen, swift, tough, attentive and energetic.”
The name Dekopin in Japanese refers to flicking someone on the forehead with a finger, typically as a lighthearted punishment or joke. Ohtani shortened it to Decoy for simplicity.
Decoy’s Growing Resume
Decoy has built a genuine fan following over the past three years, and his list of public appearances goes deep.
The dog first drew major attention alongside Ohtani during the announcement of his 2023 American League MVP Award on MLB Network. It was Ohtani’s second MVP award.
A few months after that iconic first pitch in August 2024, Decoy returned to center stage when Ohtani was announced as the 2024 National League MVP. After the announcement, Decoy was so excited he jumped off the couch and ran out of frame.
Decoy appeared again in November 2025 when Ohtani made history as the second MLB player to win three consecutive MVP awards. It was his fourth win total.
The accolades kept coming.
The Baseball Writers’ Association of America handed out their first ever Most Valuable Dog award at the BBWAA Awards Dinner on Jan. 25. Decoy won, receiving his own plaque.
Beyond awards, Decoy has his own fake passport, was featured on the inside of Ohtani’s suit on the All-Star red carpet, and appeared on Ohtani’s custom Decoy cleats for Players’ Weekend.
The bond between Ohtani and Decoy is also the subject of a children’s book released on Feb. 3, titled “Decoy Saves Opening Day.” The book follows Decoy as he’s tasked with throwing out the first pitch to Ohtani on Opening Day but forgot his lucky baseball at home and must race to fetch it in time.
A New Kind of Neighborhood Spot
Pawradise Park’s decision to feature a mural like this tracks with what the venue is building in the neighborhood: a space where pet culture, local art, and café life overlap.
Off-leash play areas, a dedicated café, a members-only lounge, and now a 28-foot mural celebrating one of the city’s most recognizable dog-and-owner bonds.
Head to 435 Molino St. this weekend, bring your pup, and see it for yourself.
Production of this article included the use of AI. It was reviewed and edited by a team of content specialists.
