The Dog that inspired Dogecoin Meme Has Died

 


 


Kabosu, the Shiba Inu behind the iconic doge meme, passed away on Friday at the age of 18, as announced by her owner on Instagram.

Kabosu's journey to internet stardom is a modern fairy tale. Rescued in 2008, she was adopted by Atsuko Sato, a kindergarten teacher who shared photos of her pets on her blog. In February 2010, a seemingly ordinary photo of Kabosu caught the internet’s eye and became a viral sensation.

The doge meme's influence spread far and wide, used by government agencies, weather apps, and even inspiring a visit to Japan by the Reddit user who first posted the meme for International Doge Day.

Kabosu’s amused, knowing expression eventually became the face of Dogecoin, a joke cryptocurrency famously endorsed by Elon Musk on Saturday Night Live in 2021. Musk later faced a lawsuit from Dogecoin investors who accused him of manipulating the cryptocurrency's value.

Despite her internet fame, Kabosu lived a peaceful life. Sato has organized a farewell party for her this weekend.

“Kabosu is very different from the typical temperament of Shiba,” Sato told The Verge in 2013. “She’s very gentle and calm; she loves being photographed.” Wow. Much perfect, very missed.

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