The beloved Japanese dog behind the iconic 'Doge' meme and inspiration for the Dogecoin cryptocurrency, Kabosu, passed away on Friday, May 24, after the announcement from owner Atsuko Sato, according to Channel News Asia. 

Kabosu, a Shiba Inu, captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Its photo became a viral sensation in 2010 after Sato shared an endearing snapshot of the pup on her blog. The image, featuring Kabosu with a beguiling expression and crossed paws, quickly spread across online platforms, sparking a phenomenon that extended from internet memes to digital artwork and cryptocurrency.

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The Dog Behind Doge Meme

Despite Kabosu's humble origins as a rescue dog adopted from a puppy mill, its image became synonymous with the 'Doge' meme, characterized by playful, broken English captions capturing the dog's inner thoughts.

In addition to its meme fame, Kabosu's photo was transformed into an NFT digital artwork, selling for a staggering $4 million. 

This iconic image also inspired Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency initially conceived as a joke by software engineers. It has since amassed a market capitalization of $23 billion. 

Despite facing health challenges in its later years, including leukemia and liver disease, Kabosu's resilience and the outpouring of support from fans worldwide served as a testament to its enduring impact. 

In a touching tribute to Kabosu's legacy, a statue featuring the iconic Shiba Inu and its signature sofa was unveiled in Sakura, Japan, last year. Crowdfunded by Own The Doge, a crypto organization dedicated to celebrating the meme, the statue is a tangible symbol of Kabosu's influence. 

Kabosu's legacy extends beyond internet culture. Dogecoin garnered support from celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Mark Cuban, and Gene Simmons, as well as billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, who affectionately dubbed it "the people's crypto."

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