Internet Icon Kabosu, the Doge Meme Shiba Inu, Passes Away at 18

At eighteen years old, Kabosu, the cherished Shiba Inu that sparked the global “doge meme,” died on Friday. Owner Atsuko Sato revealed in a touching blog post that Kabosu died quietly while receiving tender care. Thanking the followers of her famous dog, Sato announced that “Kabo-chan” would be having a goodbye celebration in Nara City, Japan, on Sunday, May 26 from 1 to 4 p.m.

According to media reports, Kabosu received a diagnosis of chronic lymphoma leukemia and cholangiohepatitis in 2022. She became well-known as the face of Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency that was first invented as a joke to parody the hysterical speculating in cryptocurrencies. Dogecoin is acknowledged to be the first “meme coin,” more precisely the first “dog coin.”

Online users were incredibly devastated to learn about Kabosu’s death and poured love and condolences into social media. Many uploaded fan art of the Shiba Inu in paradise or with other well-known meme figures all around her.

Speaking on Kabosu’s influence, an X (formerly Twitter) user exclaimed, “Oh no! That is very depressing news for the whole cryptocurrency community. Legendary online personality Kabosu served as an inspiration for the Dogecoin movement. Kabosu, rest in tranquilly. Her influence won’t go away for sure.”

RIP Kabosu, said another user. We shall always carry your love, happiness, and memes in our hearts.” Many others agreed, emphasizing her impact and the happiness she offered to millions of people.

“You inspired millions to Do Only Good Everyday,” said one admirer, and “Kabosu left a massive legacy just from that picture alone,” added another. Kabosu, please find peace.”

A user paid a special homage by relating their own experience with the well-known dog: “Well that’s a bummer… Positively, I got to meet Kabosu in person at Devcon5 and now I have another really strange flex in my toolbox.”