The beloved shiba inu dog, Kabosu, whose endearing photo sparked a wave of internet memes and inspired the creation of the $23-billion Dogecoin cryptocurrency, has passed away, her owner announced on Friday.
Atsuko Sato, Kabosu’s owner, shared the news on her blog, expressing gratitude to the fans of her cherished pet, known as the face of the “Doge” meme. Sato described Kabosu’s peaceful passing, likening it to falling asleep while being comforted.
“Kabo-chan was the happiest dog in the world, and I was the happiest owner,” wrote Sato in tribute to her beloved companion, whose real birthday was unknown but estimated to be around 18 years old.
Dubbed “the Mona Lisa of the internet” by Tridog, a member of Own The Doge, Kabosu gained fame in 2010 when Sato posted a photo of her crossing her paws on a sofa. The image, depicting the fluffy shiba inu with a captivating gaze, quickly went viral, spawning a plethora of memes featuring Kabosu’s inner thoughts in broken English.
The iconic picture later became an NFT digital artwork, selling for $4 million, and served as inspiration for Dogecoin, initially created as a joke but now ranking as the eighth-most valuable cryptocurrency.
Dogecoin’s popularity surged with endorsements from figures like Snoop Dogg, Mark Cuban, and Gene Simmons, but perhaps its most fervent supporter is billionaire Elon Musk, who frequently tweets about the currency, influencing its value.
Kabosu battled leukaemia and liver disease in late 2022, with Sato crediting the support of fans worldwide for helping her overcome the illness. Despite her passing, Kabosu’s legacy lives on through initiatives like a crowdfunded statue in her honour and substantial donations to charities, including more than $1 million to Save the Children.
At 62 years old, Sato reflects on the unexpected events surrounding Kabosu’s internet fame, from Musk, featuring her image on Twitter to the creation of Dogecoin, highlighting the profound impact of their online connection on real-life endeavours.
