Kabosu, the Iconic Doge Meme Shiba Inu, Dies at 17

Kabosu, the Shiba Inu renowned for inspiring the “Doge” meme and the emblem of Dogecoin, has died at the age of 17. Her peaceful passing was announced by her owner, Atsuko Sato, on her blog, marking the end of an era that bridged internet culture and cryptocurrency.

Atsuko Sato shared her appreciation for the global affection Kabosu received throughout her life and announced a public farewell to be held for “Kabo-chan” on May 26 at Flower Kaori in Kotsu no Mori, Narita City.

The crypto community and fans worldwide have been mourning her loss, sharing tributes and fond memories of the beloved dog who became a digital icon.

Kabosu first rose to internet fame in 2010 after Sato posted a photo of her on her blog. It was Kabosu’s peculiar expression in one particular photo that sparked the “Doge” meme, characterized by multicolored text in Comic Sans, floating around Kabosu’s face in a scattered fashion, capturing various contemplative captions.

The meme gained further prominence when it was adopted as the face of Dogecoin in 2013, initially a parody cryptocurrency that later grew into a well-followed digital currency involved in numerous charitable causes, from funding clean water projects to supporting the Jamaican bobsled team.

In December 2022, Sato alerted the community to Kabosu’s deteriorating health, prompting an outpouring of support. Dogecoin co-founder Billy Markus, also known as Shibetoshi Nakamoto, rallied the community for support, with responses including generous offers to cover any necessary medical expenses.

Kabosu’s enduring legacy is not only as the face of Dogecoin but also as a symbol of the internet’s quirky spirit and communal creativity, influencing fields as wide-ranging as political campaigns. Notably, President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign recently sought a “master of memes” to engage with digital media, highlighting the lasting influence of meme culture initiated by icons like Kabosu.

Her image and the joy it brought to people globally will continue to inspire and influence meme culture and community spirit in the digital age.