Kabosu, The Shiba Inu Behind The 'Doge' Meme, Sadly Passes Away

In 2010, a photo of Kabosu with a distinctive expression—smirking face, side eyes, and crossed paws—began circulating online.

Damjan

• Published in Animal Stories
• May 29, 2024

The internet is filled with countless memes, but few have had the lasting impact and cultural significance of the "doge" meme. Behind this iconic meme was a real-life dog named Kabosu, a Shiba Inu who captured the hearts of millions around the world.

Sadly, at the age of 18, Kabosu passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be remembered. Kabosu's owner, Atsuko Sato, announced the news of her beloved pet's passing in a heartfelt blog post. Describing Kabosu's peaceful departure, Atsuko expressed gratitude for the love and support they received over the years. Kabosu lived a happy life, bringing joy to those around her and leaving an indelible mark on the world.

In 2010, a photo of Kabosu with a distinctive expression—smirking face, side eyes, and crossed paws—began circulating online. This image quickly became synonymous with the "doge" meme, captivating internet users with its quirky charm.

What started as a simple photo shared by Atsuko soon turned into a global phenomenon, with people creating countless variations of the meme. Beyond the realm of memes, Kabosu's influence extended to the world of cryptocurrency.

Inspired by the doge meme, Dogecoin was created as a lighthearted digital currency. Despite its humble origins, Dogecoin gained traction and even caught the attention of tech mogul Elon Musk, further solidifying Kabosu's place in internet history.

Kabosu, the Shiba Inu, became an internet sensation as the face behind the "Doge" meme. Named after a Japanese citrus fruit due to her round, cute face,

Sato, a kindergarten teacher, adopted Kabosu back in 2008 from an animal shelter where he was rescued. The internet went wild in 2010 when Sato shared a photo of herself sitting with crossed legs and a puzzled look, making Kabosu an instant sensation.

Kabosu's picture is the face of dogecoin, a cryptocurrency that started as a joke back in 2013. Someone even bought a photo of the Shiba Inu as an NFT for $4 million, showing just how much impact it has.

Last November, a statue of Kabosu, the famous doge, was revealed in his hometown of Sakura, Japan. Known for his charitable deeds funded by Dogecoin, his legacy includes donations exceeding $1 million to Save the Children.

"Hope you rest in peace dear friend, A dog paradise awaits you, but we promise this is not the end💛"

“I am certain Kabosu was the happiest dog in the world. That makes me the happiest owner in the world.”

Even with her fame on the internet, Kabosu was still just a cherished pet to Atsuko, bringing joy every day. When she passed away, fans from all over the world shared tributes, showing how much she meant to them.

People shared heartfelt messages and memories, keeping Kabosu's legacy alive in their hearts. As we say goodbye to Kabosu, let's hold onto the happiness and laughter she gave us.

Her spirit will keep us going, reminding us to spread love and stay positive even when things get crazy. Rest easy, Kabosu. You were more than just a dog—you were an icon, a buddy, and a never-ending source of smiles.

Damjan