Shohei Ohtani and his dog Decoy trend on National Dog Day

In observance of National Dog Day, the Los Angeles Dodgers released archival photos of Shohei Ohtani and his dog, Decoy, drawing significant attention on social media. The images, shared by team photographer Carrie Giordano, include shots of Ohtani holding Decoy and a group photo with Ohtani’s wife, Mamiko.

Decoy has become a notable figure in MLB marketing, expanding Ohtani’s public image beyond his athletic achievements to include his role as a pet owner. This presence has engaged diverse audiences, including dog lovers and families. Previous highlights include Decoy’s ceremonial first pitch at Dodger Stadium, which generated massive social media engagement, and the dog being jokingly referred to as the ‘Most Valuable Dog’ (MVD) by MLB officials.

Decoy’s popularity is part of a broader trend within the league, where players' pets, such as the Baltimore Orioles' Jackson Holliday’s dog Coconut, also garner significant fan interest.