Eclipse was no ordinary dog. For nearly a decade, she was a beloved fixture on Seattle’s streets — a black lab–bullmastiff mix who confidently boarded the big red Metro bus all on her own, riding through town with the ease of any daily commuter.

It all started back in 2015. Jeff Young, who adopted Eclipse when she was just 10 weeks old, was finishing a cigarette outside their apartment when Eclipse decided she couldn’t wait. Spotting their usual red bus pulling up, she trotted over, climbed aboard, and settled into a seat — headed straight for her favorite place in the world: the dog park in Belltown.

From then on, Eclipse became a local legend. Two or three times a week, she’d jump on the bus without Jeff, confidently peering out the window until she recognized her stop, then hopping off and making a beeline for the park about a block and a half away. She did it so often, she knew exactly where to sit, when to move, and even how to bang on the back door glass when it was time to get off.

Eclipse’s adventures drew smiles from fellow passengers and caught the attention of local media, turning her into something of a celebrity. “The celebrity kind of got out of hand,” Jeff laughed. But through all the photos and viral videos, she remained simply Jeff’s loyal friend — the dog who was always ready to share a ride, a walk, or a quiet evening at home.

This week, Eclipse’s owner shared that she passed away peacefully in her sleep at age 10. Jeff says “missing her doesn’t even cover it.” After 11 years together, she was more than a pet — she was his best friend, and for many in Seattle, a gentle reminder of how joy can show up in the most unexpected ways… sometimes with four paws and her very own bus pass.

Read more about Eclipse’s unforgettable rides ➔