Kabosu, the beloved Shiba Inu who became an internet sensation as the face of the iconic “Doge” meme, has died at the age of 18. Her owner, Atsuko Sato, announced the news on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the love and support Kabosu received over the years. Kabosu, who had been diagnosed with leukemia and liver disease, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024, with Sato by her side.
Kabosu’s journey to fame began over a decade ago when a photo of her giving a side-eye glance went viral. This image quickly spread across the internet, turning into the “Doge” meme, which features humorous and nonsensical captions like “wow very rain” and “much car” to describe various situations. The meme’s popularity soared, with Kabosu’s image being edited into countless variations, including wearing sunglasses and being plastered onto loaves of bread. Her likeness even became the logo for the cryptocurrency Dogecoin, initially created as a joke but later gaining significant value and attention.
In her Instagram post, Sato shared her heartfelt farewell to Kabosu, writing, “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. She went very peacefully without suffering, as if falling asleep while feeling the warmth of my hands petting her.” Sato also expressed her deep appreciation for the outpouring of love and support from fans worldwide, stating, “I am certain Kabosu was the happiest dog in the world. That makes me the happiest owner in the world.”
Sato, who works as a teacher in Japan, adopted Kabosu in 2008 after she was rescued from an animal shelter. Since then, Kabosu has brought joy to millions, not just through her meme fame but also as a beloved pet. The news of her passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from fans of the Doge meme, with many sharing their condolences and fond memories of Kabosu.
One fan commented, “She was not a good girl. She was the best girl,” while another wrote, “RIP beloved Kabosu. You gave her a wonderful life and thank you for sharing her with us and bringing everyone so much joy through Doge.” Despite the sadness of her passing, many have noted that Kabosu lived a long and happy life, well beyond the average lifespan for her breed.
Kabosu’s legacy as the Doge meme will continue to live on, bringing smiles to those who remember her iconic image. Her story highlights the unique bond between pets and their owners and the unexpected ways in which an animal can touch the lives of people around the world.
