The world bid farewell to a beloved internet sensation as Kabosu, the iconic Shiba Inu behind the Doge meme, passed away. From humble beginnings in a Japanese animal shelter to becoming the face of a global cryptocurrency, Kabosu’s journey was nothing short of extraordinary.
Adopted by kindergarten teacher Atsuko Sato in 2008, Kabosu’s adorable photos captured the hearts of internet users worldwide. Her raised eyebrows and crossed-legged pose in a 2010 photo sparked the creation of the Doge meme, with humorous captions that became a viral sensation.
The Doge meme’s popularity led to Kabosu’s face being adopted as the logo for Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency that gained significant value in 2021. Billionaire Elon Musk even changed his Twitter icon to Kabosu’s face, showcasing the dog’s enduring influence.
In November 2023, Kabosu was honored in her hometown of Chiba with a special monument, funded by a crypto organization dedicated to the meme. The statue, depicting Kabosu in her iconic pose, stands as a tribute to her lasting impact on popular culture.
Despite her fame, Kabosu faced health challenges in her later years, battling chronic lymphoma leukemia and acute cholangiohepatitis. Her passing on May 24, 2024, was met with an outpouring of tributes on social media, as fans remembered the joy and laughter she brought to their lives.
As the internet mourns the loss of a beloved canine celebrity, Kabosu’s legacy lives on through the countless memes and GIFs that continue to spread joy and laughter. In the hearts of her fans, the Doge will always be remembered as a symbol of happiness and limitless love.