In Dogecoin news, a somber note has struck the hearts of many: Kabosu, the beloved Shiba Inu who inspired the iconic Doge meme, has passed away. The Japanese Shiba Inu, who had captured the affection of millions globally, had been suffering from leukemia and liver disease. Her owner, Atsuko Sato, shared the heartbreaking news with Kabosu’s 525,000 Instagram followers on Friday, May 24.
“To all of you who loved Kabosu, on the morning of the 24 May, Kabosu crossed the rainbow bridge. Thank you all so much for your support over the years,” Sato wrote on Instagram. “She went very peacefully without suffering as if falling asleep while feeling the warmth of my hands petting her. Thank you all so much for loving Kabosu all these years.”
Kabosu’s journey to internet stardom began in 2008 when she was adopted by Sato, a teacher from Japan, after being rescued from an animal shelter. Her endearing personality and distinctive look quickly made her a favorite subject for photos. However, it was a particular snapshot taken in 2010 that catapulted her to fame. The photo, featuring Kabosu with her paws crossed and a slight, knowing smirk, was shared on Reddit and Tumblr, where it went viral. A Reddit user dubbed the image “Doge,” a playful misspelling of “dog,” inspired by a 2005 episode of the web series Homestar Runner.
This simple photo of Kabosu with her curious expression became a cultural phenomenon. It was the foundation of the Doge meme, characterized by its use of colorful Comic Sans text in broken English, capturing the dog’s seemingly contemplative thoughts. The meme’s charm and humor resonated with people worldwide, transforming Kabosu into a symbol of internet culture.
In addition to becoming a meme sensation, Kabosu’s image also played a pivotal role in the creation of Dogecoin. The cryptocurrency, initially started as a joke, leveraged the Doge meme’s widespread recognition to build a robust and passionate community. Dogecoin has since evolved beyond its humorous beginnings, becoming a significant player in the cryptocurrency market and contributing to various charitable causes. Kabosu’s legacy is thus intertwined with the world of digital currency, and her influence has left an indelible mark.
Atsuko Sato expressed her profound gratitude to all those who cherished Kabosu. “I am certain Kabosu was the happiest dog in the world. That makes me the happiest owner in the world. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to everyone who has sent us much love to us,” she wrote. Sato’s heartfelt words reflect the deep bond she shared with Kabosu and the overwhelming support from fans across the globe.
Kabosu’s peaceful passing, surrounded by the warmth and love of her owner, brings a poignant close to a remarkable life. Her legacy lives on in the countless memes that continue to bring joy and laughter, and in the Dogecoin community that continues to thrive. Kabosu, the Dogecoin dog, may have crossed the rainbow bridge, but her spirit and influence will forever remain a cherished part of internet lore.
