The internet has lost one of its most iconic and beloved personalities – Kabosu, the adorable Shiba Inu dog behind the famous Doge meme, has passed away at the age of 18. Kabosu’s owner, Atsuko Sato, broke the heartbreaking news on Instagram, revealing that her furry companion had been battling leukemia and liver disease.
In a touching tribute, Sato wrote, “Kaori-chan in the morning of May 24, I fell into a deep sleep. Not suffering and being carried by me I’m so tired of falling asleep. To all of you who have loved me for a long time, Thank you very much.” She added, “I think Kabo-chan was the happiest dog in the world. I was the happiest owner in the world. So much love to all of you. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude.”
Kabosu’s rise to internet stardom began in 2010 when Sato, a kindergarten teacher, shared a photo of her beloved pet on her blog. The image, which showed Kabosu sitting on a couch with her paws crossed, quickly went viral, capturing the hearts of millions with her adorable expression and relatable pose.
The meme, dubbed “Doge,” took on a life of its own, spawning countless variations and becoming a cultural phenomenon. Kabosu’s iconic visage was instantly recognizable, and her image was used to convey a wide range of emotions and situations, from excitement and happiness to confusion and disappointment.
In addition to her status as a meme legend, Kabosu also played a pivotal role in the cryptocurrency world. In 2013, the Dogecoin cryptocurrency was created, featuring Kabosu’s likeness as its mascot. The Dogecoin community paid tribute to Kabosu, stating, “Today Kabosu, our community’s shared friend and inspiration, peacefully passed in the arms of her person. The impact this one dog has made across the world is immeasurable. She was a being who knew only happiness and limitless love.”
Despite her internet fame, Kabosu remained a humble and loving companion to Sato. In a 2013 interview with The Verge, Sato described Kabosu as “very gentle and calm; she loves being photographed.”
As news of Kabosu’s passing spread, tributes poured in from fans and admirers around the world. Many expressed gratitude for the joy and laughter Kabosu had brought to their lives, while others shared their own cherished memories of the iconic meme dog.
Kabosu’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through the countless memes and tributes that have been created in her honor. Her joyful spirit and infectious happiness touched the lives of millions, reminding us of the power of a simple image to bring people together and spread joy.
While the internet mourns the loss of this beloved icon, Kabosu’s memory will continue to be celebrated and her impact on internet culture will forever be etched in the annals of digital history.