Lindsey Cohen of KOMO News reported yesterday about a Seattle dog that takes the Metro Bus to a downtown dog park by herself.
Eclipse is a 2-year-old lab mix that takes the bus to a Belltown dog park by herself. Photo from KOMO News.
Eclipse is a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever mix. She began riding the bus with her owner, Jeff Young, to the dog park a few times a week. Young has a habit of smoking a cigarette before getting on the bus, and eventually, when Eclipse thought he took too long to finish it, she would hop on the bus on her own and get off at the dog park.
The story didn’t mention it, but I wonder what happens when Eclipse gets off the bus. Do she wait for Young to join her? Does someone let her into the dog park?
While I think Eclipse is an incredibly smart dog to have figured out how to get to the dog park safely by herself, Young should have her on a leash and ride with her to the dog park, not just because it’s the law, but more importantly, it’s just not safe for her to be alone in the middle of a major city.
A car could backfire and scare her into the street and she could be hit by a vehicle. Someone on the bus could feed her something that makes her sick. She could eat something on the ground that could harm her. Someone on the bus who is afraid of dogs could freak out and hurt her.
And now that her story has been on the news, someone could steal her after she gets off the bus at the dog park.
So yes, Eclipse is a cool, intelligent dog, but it’s time for her to stop riding the bus alone.
Sorry for being a buzz kill.
I so agree and was really unhappy to see how people viewed this as such a great thing and so way cool. To me it is no better than a parent allowing their small child to do the same thing. It just goes to show you that the dog is way smarter than a lot of people. Besides, what is wrong with a bus driver who would allow an animal—unrestrained and without its owner—on a bus with a bunch of people?
He probably knew the dog from earlier trips but still it shouldn’t be on alone.
I completely agree. Dogs should be on leashes in public to protect themselves, as well as others. This guy is asking for an accident.
I agree that it could be bad for Eclipse, since this has become a national news story, but I don’t agree that Jeff is being a bad owner…It’s an amazing & cool thing Eclipse figured out the bus route.
Now, since it’s a “big” news and Internet story, Jeff will have to make sure Eclipse is safe from thieves.
Too bad, because this was a rare and special thing.
I think Eclipse’s freedom and agency are AWESOME!! I can’t stand this country’s attitude toward dogs and the constant captivity it engenders. A few irresponsible owners have raised troubled dogs and given the impression that dogs in general are a threat to the public. Even in an urban setting, I consider the leash law a tragedy.
I just spent 10 days in Costa Rica where I saw many dogs and not a single leash or collar. Dogs of all shapes and sizes trot down the street with as much savvy as human pedestrians. They know where they’re going and what’s dangerous. They wander into restaurants or shops where they’re greeted by name (they speak Spanish 😉 )but not particularly fussed over.
I love dogs, but I don’t want them roaming the streets of a major city (or any city for that matter). Leash laws are important, both for the dog and the general public. Very, very few people can control their dogs with their voice. Having dogs leashed is the best way to control them and prevent them from running into the street and getting hit by a car or running over a kid, or getting into fights with other dogs, or any other of thousands different reasons.
We adopted a street dog from Mexico 8 years ago, so I’m familiar with dogs trotting down the street. Many looked starved and sick. Lots of them were killed by cars. And when their numbers became too great, they were rounded up and killed. Spaying, neutering, and vaccinating were unheard of. No one cleaned up after them. I don’t understand how that could be construed as good for them. Or the people in the city.
I am terrified of dogs. My reaction to this large bred dog getting on the bus, off leash, would be the same as yours would be if a 40 pound spider came on board. This isn’t funny, the way dog owners just assume that everyone loves dogs and wants them to be around them. I am happy that people love their dogs and feel good that dogs have loving owners, but please show some consideration for those of us who are either allergic or terrified of dogs by not letting them run around off leash, and never take them into stores or other public places; it shows a very selfish and inconsiderate attitude in favor of your dog and against humans who do not share your fancy.
Well put, thank you. But now I’ll be up all night worrying about 40 pound spiders.
I agree with you. I too am afraid of dogs, large or small, I have been bit by both, when just minding my own business. I tried to send the bus company an email regarding all the rules being broken by letting this dog on, but they must not care, because now they are using the dog to advertise for bus riding, and I am sure the dog is still riding by himself. I believe this send a message, that authorities make rules, but they don’t care if you break them. It sends a message to children, as well, that even though there are rules against certain things, the bus drivers are just going to allow it anyway. It sends a message that you can break rules and get away with it and everyone seems to think it is cool.