West Seattle, Washington
25 Saturday
This week’s closure of what’s currently West Seattle’s only off-leash area at Westcrest Park led to several readers asking for a schedule update on what’ll be the second local dog park, just south of West Seattle Stadium. The last update had suggested construction would start this spring, but there’s been no sign that was indeed imminent, and as of yesterday, the project website hadn’t been updated in more than half a year. So we asked Seattle Parks. They tell us the construction schedule has now slid to next year: “Construction is now expected to start in early 2027 and be complete by Fall 2027.” What’s happening right now? “We are currently preparing review of 60% Design documents … and expect to go to bid in December of this year.” This info will be added to signage on the site, and – since our inquiry – has been added today to a new “engagement hub” project page (to which the previous project page points). It’s been two years since the site was chosen.
As announced by Seattle Parks, West Seattle’s only dog park is closed this week for work. That work at Westcrest Park Off-Leash Area involves bringing in new wood chips for the “terraced area,” but leaving the small/shy-dog area open this week for all dogs to use.
Reopening is expected by Friday. Meantime, what will be West Seattle’s second off-leash area, south of West Seattle Stadium, is in the planning phase; we’re following up with Parks on the latest construction timeline.
Most of West Seattle’s only official off-leash area, at Westcrest Park, will close for four days next week, according to this announcement from Seattle Parks:
We need to temporarily close the Westcrest Off Leash Area (OLA) from March 23rd through March 26th.
During this time, crews will deliver wood chips (Engineered Wood Fiber) to the terraced area near the shelter and picnic table. We planned this maintenance effort in close consultation with our COLA stewards at Westcrest Park to improve the play space for your pets.
While the main area is closed, the small and shy dog area will remain open and accessible to all dog owners. Because this space is much more confined than the main park, please pay close attention to your dog’s behavior to ensure a safe environment for all visitors.
We recognize this temporary closure might disrupt your routine, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to maintain the park. If you have any questions or concerns about this project, please call us at 206-684-4075.
Washington State Ferries’ trial balloon for a new pet policy will be floating a little longer. The changes, which started last August, have been extended to last at least until the end of the spring. That means passengers with leashed dogs will continue to be allowed in most public passenger areas until either modified rules are approved or the existing policy goes back into effect. For years, dogs outside of vehicles and carriers were limited to outdoor passenger areas, like shelter decks, which are unheated.
(A very good dog on the shelter deck, 2018)
At a WSF public meeting in January, WSF Assistant Secretary John Vezina said a permanent policy could be expected within a couple of weeks, but then WSF posted a travel alert bulletin earlier this week announcing the extension of the trial: “We will continue trialing an updated pet policy through spring 2026. Dogs on leashes are allowed in all passenger areas during this trial period, except onboard food galleys. Other pets must be in a crate or carrier. Service animals are welcome everywhere, as required by law. Livestock must stay in appropriate enclosures at all times. We are reviewing the trial policy and will provide an update on our pet policy before summer 2026.”
There are additional rules for dogs that at least partly mirror what’s expected of human passengers: No feet on the seats (big dogs stay on the floor and small ones on laps) and clean up after yourself. But crew can also direct dogs and their owners out of the passenger cabin to outside areas for behavior or safety issues.
You can give feedback on the trial policy here.
Thursday, we reported on Seattle Fire crews rescuing “two large dogs” from a 30-foot embankment in The Arroyos. It was in an off-the-beaten-path-enough area that there was no way we could get there for photos, so we asked SFD if their crew might make any available. Today, they did, above and below:
We asked SFD spokesperson Kaila Lafferty if she had any information about the circumstances: “The two dogs escaped from their fenced back yard. It is unclear how they got out of the fenced yard and ended up down the bluff.”
Though the official “grand opening” celebration isn’t until Saturday, Mud Bay‘s Admiral store is expected to open for business in its new location – the two-years-empty ex-Wells Fargo kitty-corner from the pet-supply store’s old location – tomorrow. Crews are moving the merchandise into the new location right now. Grand-opening festivities are scheduled to start at 9 am Saturday. Their now-former space will be the new home of Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) and The Bass Shop later this year.
As announced last April, Mud Bay is moving kitty-corner at the Admiral Junction. And now they’ve set the date. Here’s the announcement we received today:
Mud Bay is excited to announce the official Grand Opening of its relocated Admiral store in West Seattle.
The former Wells Fargo Bank building at the corner of Admiral Way and California Ave has been thoughtfully transformed into a brand-new Mud Bay location designed to better serve the neighborhood.
When this space became available, we were thrilled by the opportunity to create a more accessible shopping experience for the West Seattle community, including five dedicated parking spaces for customers. The new layout offers more accessible square footage and updated fixtures, providing more room on the sales floor for customers to shop. The store will also feature an expanded assortment of small animal products and a larger selection of minimally processed frozen pet food.
Join us on February 28th to celebrate our Grand Opening!
The first 100 customers will receive an exclusive Mud Bay tote bag filled with special gifts and giveaways … Doors open at 9:00 a.m.
New Address:
2358 California Ave SW
As announced on New Year’s Day, the historic Ashcroft Building that Mud Bay is leaving will become the new home of Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) and The Bass Shop; it’s now owned by TRG proprietor Frank Gross
We often publish obituaries on WSB, mostly for humans, but occasionally for pets, like this one sent by Jyl, whose dog Boo was a bit of a “neighborhood celebrity,” so Jyl wanted the community to know he’s gone:
Boozhoo (aka Boo) the self-proclaimed Mayor of West Seattle, passed away at home on January 16. Boo was 13 1/2 years young and was deeply loved.
He was rescued in 2019 as part of a hoarding case in Texas. Because of his sweet spirit, Boo served as a temperament tester for the rescue before he was sent to Seattle for his retirement years. Boo was adopted at the start of COVID and quickly learned why West Seattle is the best Seattle. Like many pit bulls, he knew he had to be an ambassador for his breed, so he was always seen with a T-shirt and bow tie on so people knew he was a sweet boy. He made friends with every dog he met and every human who would stop to pet him. Until he started to slow down in his super senior years, he could be seen daily walking all over the neighborhood in search of a good smell and a friendly pet. People regularly stopped traffic to say hello and on at least one occasion to give him a serenade. Friends like Bernie and David showered him with gourmet treats whenever they crossed paths.
In his self-appointed role of Mayor, he supported local businesses. The guys at Alki Lumber became his favorite source of treats and “dad pats,” and RealFine Coffee on Fauntleroy always had the best pup cups. He wooed the staff at Next-to-Nature Pet Markets to give him extra snacks, and he knew a stop at El Chapulin Oaxaqueño meant his favorite carnitas. Boo was a big fan of all the folks at Pet Care Center at Luna Park, even when they trimmed his nails.
He visited Alki Beach regularly, and he watched all the football games at West Seattle Stadium. If you’ve walked down Avalon Way and found your path blocked by an 80-pound pit bull hoping for a pet, that was Boo. He will be missed by his large extended family in the Westside Flats apartments and all his dog friends, especially Naya, Lemon, Misha, Kiba, Buddy, Scarlett, and Robbie. If you loved Boo, you can honor his memory by donating to the shelters who rescued him, Dallas Dog RRR and Seattle Humane. Boo made stickers every year for his friends, and if anyone would like one, they can stop by RealFine Coffee on Fauntleroy to pick one up.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
PawsVIP recently moved into 9064 Delridge Way SW and is a new WSB sponsor, which means they get to tell you about what they do:
What We Do:
PawsVIP is a locally owned dog day care and boarding facility. We’ve been running our first location near SeaTac since 2019, and West Seattle (9064 Delridge Way SW) is our second home.
Our Services:
At our West Seattle location, we offer day care, overnight boarding, and exit baths for pups heading home after a day of play.
Our Tukwila location has all of that plus full grooming and airport layover services for families moving or traveling with their pets.
Both locations have a 24/7 vet on call.
What Makes PawsVIP Different:
We’re a locally owned business. We’re all pet lovers. We’ve been doing this since 2019. We’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to build a team that genuinely cares. We’ve focused on building a place where people want to stay, because your dog deserves to see familiar faces, not strangers every week.
We provide top quality care for your pet. We remember their habits, preferences, and their playmates. We want them to have fun and be taken care of while you’re away.
We also do our best to provide top quality service for pet parents. We’re communicative and transparent. We work to provide seamless experiences and accommodate your schedule by operating 5am to 9pm, seven days a week.
We’re structured and safety-focused. Kenneled facility, play groups organized by size and temperament, trained staff, 24/7 vet access. We don’t cut corners.
We know transparency matters. We post photos and videos daily because pet parents shouldn’t have to wonder what’s happening with their dog. Check out our Instagram and you’ll see real dogs having real fun.
Our Team:
Everyone on our team is a pet owner. We go home to dogs, cats, you name it. This isn’t just a job for us.
All staff go through background checks before hiring. From there, we train on dog handling, dog behavior, and animal safety. We take the time to do it right because we know the care your dog gets comes down to who’s actually with them.
We’ve tried to build a place where people want to stick around, learn, and grow. When staff are happy and invested, the dogs feel it.
Meet the team: pawsvip.com/team
Soft Opening Offer:
$9.99 day care through January 15, 2026. Trust is earned, and we want people to come see the space and meet us before committing.
Contact PawsVIP:
Email: petcare@pawsvip.com
Phone: 425-230-0344
Book online: pawsvip.com/west-seattle
We thank PawsVIP for choosing to advertise their business by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in joining our sponsor team? Please email WSBadvertising@wsbsales.com for information – thank you!
That’s Jenna with Dino, one of three rescue rabbits she brought to Special Bunny‘s pop-up in a covered spot on the C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) back patio this morning. Also there are two other adoptable bunnies, Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm, who had a young visitor when we stopped by:
The main purpose of Jenna, Dino, Pebbles, and Bamm-Bamm’s visit is to sell calendars raising money for Special Bunny’s rescue work. They’ll be there until at least 11 am.
Love bunnies? Monday morning (January 5) outside C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), you can meet some – and support them by buying a calendar. The rescue organization Special Bunny will be there, with some of their adoptable rabbits, 8 am-11 am Monday, selling calendars “with all proceeds going toward supporting the rabbits in our care.” You can preview the calendar (or buy it, if you can’t get to the event at C & P) by going here.
Things were a little chaotic but when all was said and done, a cat competing against about half a dozen dogs won the pet-costume contest that’s become a tradition on West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting night!
Emcee Brian Callanan called the kitty by the names War Zone and War Games, but whichever was correct, so was Winner – with prizes donated by All the Best Pet Care, one of the night’s sponsors. The kitty stayed remarkably calm throughout:
The dogs were fairly mellow too:
Another of the top three was Chef Coy-R-Gi:
Next up: Two of the groups that performed mini-concerts before tree time!
Thanks to the reader who forwarded the Sunday announcement from Lazy Dog Crazy Dog that it’s closed both its Ballard and West Seattle (9064 Delridge Way SW) locations (though the email only mentions Ballard, the sign on the door today confirms that WS is closed too):
Dear Lazy Dog Customers:
It is with great sadness that we announce the indefinite closure of Lazy Dog Crazy Dog, effective today, Sunday at 6:00 PM.
Over the past two weeks, we have received hundreds of menacing messages and threats of violence directed at our employees and our business. These have come through email, social media, phone calls, and even direct in-person confrontations at our location. Some of these messages have included racial slurs.
The safety of our employees, the dogs in our care, and our customers is paramount — we simply cannot continue to safely offer our services under these conditions.
As a company led and operated by dog lovers, we know how this news impacts daily routines and travel planning, especially as the holidays approach. We sincerely apologize for this disruption, but it is the right decision.
We will deeply miss caring for your dogs and being part of the Ballard community. If you have prepaid credit, please contact us at play@lazydogcrazydog.com, and we will coordinate your refund.
Though the note doesn’t mention it, what happened two weeks ago was the filing of criminal charges against a 20-year-old former Ballard employee of the business, charged with felony animal cruelty for kicking and hitting a dog at that location in August, waiting more than an hour to take the dog to a clinic, where he died. We’ve read the charging documents and there is no mention of the West Seattle location, which opened in South Delridge in January 2024, according to a news release that says it’s owned by a company that also has dog-care facilities in other states.
Story and photos by Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
“God’s animals inhabit the skies, the land, and the sea; we share the Earth with them, and like them rely on God’s blessing to sustain and preserve us.”
Those were the words spoken by Rev. Elise Johnstone marking today’s “Blessing of the Animals” at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Admiral, where a wide menagerie gathered. Around 35 people came together with their families and their pets to receive the blessing, which customarily occurs around the day marking the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and ecology. This year, the blessing coincided exactly with the date of the feast, which occurs every year on October 4th.
Rev. Johnstone and Fr. Robert Stevens presided, delivering a small sermon. We recorded her reading Psalm 104 along with the crowd:
After the readings, the presiders then blessed a basket of St. Francis medals meant to confer the blessing onto the animals as the annual blessing is in honor of the patron saint of animals’ feast day. They then went out into the crowd to hand out the medals.
The event drew a variety of animals with their people. Many brought their canine companions:
We also saw someone who had brought their cat along:
Robbie, age 7)
A guinea pig was in attendance too:
(Boba)
One person even brought their stuffed dog Ginger, which they said had kept them company through many difficult times for more than 40 years.
Reverend Johnstone wanted to emphasize that the event is for all animals, no matter the size or species. She said unique highlights of past years have included people bringing stick bugs, and even a multiple-feet-long python.
The event ended with a fairly traditional and formal recitation, “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord … Thanks be to God.” Before ending, Reverend Johnstone added: “But let’s go out with a good bark as well.” And as soon as she finished speaking, the chorus of dogs started up.
In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals (and ecology), many churches offer “Blessing of the Animals” events this time of year. The longest-running one in West Seattle is at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Admiral, which is offering theirs tomorrow afternoon – here’s their announcement:
Saint John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California Ave SW) is holding the annual Blessing of the Animals this Saturday, October 4th at 2:00 pm. Bring your furry, feathered, or scaled friend (leashed or in a carrier, please!) to the SJB Parking Lot Saturday afternoon to honor the companionship our beloved pets provide us. Pets will receive a blessing, head scratches, and we will have St. Francis Medallions to add to your best friend’s collar! We hope you can join us!
Tomorrow (October 4) is St. Francis’s feast day.
Four food-related biznotes:
IN PIZZA WE CRUST REMINDER: In case you missed our update a week-plus ago, the new pizza place in the former Swinery location at 3207 California SW opens at 11 am tomorrow (Wednesday, September 24).
CHEESE RIOT PIZZA: If you’re a fan of deep-dish pizza, West Seattle doesn’t have a lot of it, but Cheese Riot Pizza – operating out of Distinguished Foods just south of the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) – has recently joined the lineup. Here’s what co-founder Rachel told us in an email conversation:
Cheese Riot Pizza is a labor of love between the two of us. Alec is the one behind the oven, and I handle the outreach. Right now, it’s just the two of us, operating out of a shared kitchen, but our dream is to one day grow into our own space and give West Seattle a new spot to gather, eat, and connect.
A little about us: I met Alec over 8 years ago, and he was first introduced to me as “the pizza guy.” His dad founded Garlic Jim’s and Jet City Pizza, so Alec grew up kneading dough, delivering pies, and working in the shop. This year, he took the leap, leaving the 9 to 5 world to pursue his passion: opening his own place, this time with a focus on deep-dish pizza instead of the thin crusts his dad specialized in. Watching him light up while experimenting and creating new recipes has been inspiring, and I couldn’t be happier to support him in our first restaurant venture together.
We’re currently open:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 4:30–9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 4:30–10 p.m.
Sunday: 12–9 p.m.
EZELL’S FAMOUS CHICKEN: The regional chain – including its California/Fauntleroy location – is offering a deal for the next week in honor of a partnership with RedBird Farms for larger “heritage” cuts. Today through September 30, according to an announcement from the company, they’re offering any two chicken pieces and a roll for $3.99 (one per person). The announcement also notes they’re selling Ezell’s-branded merch too.
MUD BAY MATCH: Here’s where the pet food comes in. It’s part of a special day at Mud Bay this Saturday:
Join us at Mud Bay Admiral on Saturday (corrected – September 27th) for Neighborhood Pet Store Day. We will be celebrating with an Adoption Event hosted by the Seattle Animal Shelter from 12 pm-2 pm. In addition, Mud Bay will be matching 100% of all pet food sales (in-store and online) with an equivalent donation of food and supplies for pets in need at our local animal shelter.
The store is – for now! – at 2611 California SW.
By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The “dog days of summer” have arrived at Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club! They’ll have hours available at their pool every day this week until Saturday (September 20) for you to bring your canine companion to cool off during their “Dog Days” event. (An especially good idea tomorrow, with the high being forecast near 85 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.) We stopped by briefly today to take some pictures of Day 1 participants:
Above is Sona, around 7 years old. Below is Nala, around 5 ½ years old (notably, her owners told us this marks her 4th year of attendance!)
And below is Sasha, around 2 ½ years old, here for her second year in a row
This event is the only fundraiser for the club every year, with proceeds going to help their youth swim teams, as well as general pool maintenance. In past years, contributions from the public have allowed them to purchase crucial items such as a set of new kickboards and poolside clocks for swim meets.
This year marks the 10th anniversary for “Dog Days,” which started in 2012 and took two years off for the pandemic, starting back up in 2022. The event also marks the end of the pool’s season, as they’ll move into maintenance until next spring after “Dog Days” concludes.
Attendance today was strong, with pool manager Blake telling us that around 25 dogs had already came throughout the day by 5 PM.
If you and your dog are looking to have some fun in the sun, you have five more chances this week. Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club (11003 31st SW) will be open to the general public for “Dog Days,” with weekday hours of 4 to 7 PM, and 12 to 5 PM on Saturday. The cost is $5 per dog per day, and $20 for a week-long pass. If you’d just like to come by and see the dogs, it’s free.
(WSF photo)
Announced in Washington State Ferries‘ weekly newsletter, as well as a rider alert, WSF is testing a new policy of allowing dogs in more places on its boats. In the newsletter, WSF second-in-command John Vezina wrote:
Steve [Nevey] and I are happy to share news about dogs on our ferries. Based on feedback from customers and employees, and to align with partner transit agencies, we began a six-month trial of an updated pet policy yesterday. During this trial, dogs on leashes are allowed in all passenger areas, except galleys. All other pets must stay in a crate or carrier. Big dogs should stay on the floor. Small dogs should be on a lap or in a carrier. Owners must control their pets and clean up after them. Crew members may direct pets to be moved to an outside deck or vehicle if needed for safety or behavior reasons. As always, service animals are welcome everywhere, as required by law. Livestock must stay in appropriate enclosures at all times. This trial will help us decide if the new rules should become permanent. Your feedback is welcome.
Here are ways to provide feedback to WSF. You can read more about the WSF policy here.
Sent by Eric:
Hi! If your little black terrier mix looking pup ( with a bandana) lightly bit our kiddo yesterday afternoon in Arbor Heights, near SW 106th St and 39th Ave SW, can you please message Squeakers1234@protonmail.com ? Or if you know somebody who has a new dog that fits this description, please let me know. Our son is OK, but we want to make sure the dog is up-to-date on vaccines and avoid getting the rabies shots, so I’d love to reconnect with her to confirm the dog’s vaccine status. The owner was very nice but I forgot to ask and get the their contact information because I was a bit flustered when it happened. Thanks!
TUESDAY UPDATE: Eric says they’ve found the dog’s owner and verified it’s vaccinated.
We went to the site of West Seattle’s future second official dog park (aka off-leash area) toward the end of Thursday’s lightly attended “open house” to get a quick in-person update on what’s next for the project, currently planned for construction next year. (If you’ve missed previous reports, this is in an area south of the West Seattle Stadium parking lot at 4432 35th SW, for which it’s currently used as overflow parking.)
The project team told us this is the last public meeting before construction next summer/fall. The main purpose was to show the “schematic design” they’ve settled on (on the easel shown above, plus page 8 in this slide deck), from the three possibilities they had shown previously. The main changes include an added pathway plus “more developed drainage.” And they still have a few things to decide, such as gravel vs. wood chips; both have their upsides and downsides, fans and detractors.
They also want potential future users to know that an area in the northwest section of the site is still planned for a small lot where city EVs can recharge. No public access, they said. (At one point, you might recall, the entire site was under consideration for a city EV lot INSTEAD of the dog park.)
For one last round of feedback, they now have an online survey you can answer here, and the project webpage features an explanatory video walking you through the current plan. The survey’s open until June 23.
If you’re interested in plans for West Seattle’s second official off-leash area – aka dog park – tomorrow’s your next chance for a look. As we first told you three weeks ago, Seattle Parks will have an “open house” on the site just south of West Seattle Stadium (4432 35th SW), now used as overflow parking.
SPR’s project team and design consultant will be available to answer questions, present the preferred schematic designs, and gather valuable community feedback. Additionally, officers from the Seattle Animal Shelter will be present (to) offer community resources. … (The park) will include fencing, seating for pet owners, and an environmentally friendly stormwater bioretention area with thoughtful plantings. An online presentation and a survey will be available on the website following the meeting.
The drop-in event is scheduled for 4-6 pm tomorrow (Thursday, June 5).
Local Eagle Scout Gryffin Rust recently completed a project that’s making life more fun for dogs. He wanted to share his story:
This past Saturday, May 31st, local Scout Gryffin Rust of West Seattle’s Troop 284 successfully completed his Eagle Scout project, bringing exciting new features to the popular off-leash area near Green Lake.
Gryffin led the construction and installation of two dog agility structures — one larger and one smaller — designed to provide fun and exercise for dogs. The project involved other Scouts and several friends who dedicated their Friday and Saturday to assembling the structures and digging the holes to keep it secure.
The inspiration for this project came from seeing his dog Biscuit at West Seattle’s Westcrest Park, playing on the structures there. Those structures were also an Eagle Scout project from several years ago. The hope was to build the new structures for the upcoming West Seattle Stadium off-leash area, but unfortunately completion of that park is still many months away.
A big shoutout to Dunn Lumber for their generous donation of materials, as well as their assistance in cutting and helping select the wood. Also, a special thanks to Gryffin’s woodworking teacher at Chief Sealth International High School, Mr. Martinez, for the hands-on instruction this semester. A final thank you to Seattle Parks & Recreation for finding the right spot to build, and to Seattle’s Neighborhood Matching Fund for providing a grant. If you’re up north with your dog(s), check it out and bring a treat to coax them over!
According to that postcard received by a reader, Seattle Parks plans an “open house” about West Seattle’s new off-leash area – aka “dog park” – Thursday, June 5. That’ll be the first public Q&A opportunity since the department tabled about it at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market in February. The off-leash area is planned for what’s currently a parking-overflow area south of the West Seattle Stadium parking lot, and that’s where the open-house event on June 5 will be, 4-6 pm. The postcard promises they’ll have new schematic designs to show at the event. The new off-leash area is expected to be built next year.
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