Shohei Ohtani and His Dog Score a Paw-some New Tribute at Pawradise Park
A new dog park and café in Los Angeles’ Arts District has unveiled a 28-foot mural of Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his dog Decoy, instantly giving the venue a cultural identity that reaches far beyond the neighborhood.
The mural, painted by artist Alex “Ali” Gonzalez, is displayed on the wall of Pawradise Park, located at 435 Molino St., Los Angeles, CA 90013.
It depicts a moment that went viral during the 2024 Dodgers season: Decoy giving Ohtani a high-five after delivering the ceremonial first pitch at Dodger Stadium.
Pawradise Park is a newly opened concept combining indoor and outdoor dog areas with off-leash spaces, a members-only lounge and a community-focused café environment.
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.
The Iconic Moment Behind the Mural
On August 28, 2024, Decoy delivered the ceremonial first pitch before the Dodgers’ home game against the Baltimore Orioles.
Ohtani stood at home plate while Decoy ran from the mound 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 both of them.
“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.
How Decoy Became a Phenomenon
Decoy (called “Dekopin” in Japanese, a word that refers to flicking someone on the forehead as a lighthearted joke) is a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje.
According to the American Kennel Club, the breed is “lively, agile, self-confident, good-natured and alert.” Ohtani shortened the name to Decoy for simplicity.
The dog first drew major attention when he appeared alongside Ohtani during the announcement of his 2023 American League MVP Award on MLB Network. That was Ohtani’s second MVP award.
A few months after the first pitch, Decoy appeared when Ohtani was announced as the 2024 National League MVP. After the announcement, Decoy got so excited he jumped off the couch and ran out of frame.
He showed up again in November 2025 when Ohtani made history as the second MLB player to win three consecutive MVP awards, his fourth win total.
More Awards and Fashion Statements
The Baseball Writers’ Association of America created an entirely new honor: the first ever Most Valuable Dog award, handed out at the BBWAA Awards Dinner on Jan. 25. Decoy won, receiving his own plaque.
Beyond the awards circuit, Decoy has accumulated a string of cameos and merchandise moments.
He has his own fake passport. He was featured on the inside of Ohtani’s suit on the All-Star red carpet. He appeared on the side of Ohtani’s custom Decoy cleats for Players’ Weekend.
As of Feb. 3, the bond between Ohtani and Decoy is also the subject of a children’s book titled “Decoy Saves Opening Day.” The book follows Decoy as he’s tasked with throwing out the first pitch to his owner on Opening Day but has to race home to retrieve his lucky baseball before the big throw.
Why Shohei Ohtani’s Mural Matters
Pawradise Park sits in one of L.A.’s most walkable creative neighborhoods.
The Ohtani-Decoy mural gives it a draw that extends well beyond the usual dog-park crowd, pulling in Dodgers fans and anyone curious about the growing Decoy phenomenon that has built steadily over the past three years.
BOTTOM LINE: With Decoy’s profile still rising — from MVP announcements to children’s books to his own BBWAA plaque — the Pawradise Park mural at 435 Molino St. just became the latest permanent landmark in one of baseball’s most unlikely cultural stories.
Production of this article included the use of AI. It was reviewed and edited by a team of content specialists.
