An era ends on the Internet: The death of Kabosu, the Shiba Inu behind the Doge meme
Throughout the history of the internet, we have witnessed countless memes that have defined the digital age. With their innate charm and innocence, dogs have the potential to become the stars of hilarious photos that go viral around the world. Unfortunately, one of the most famous mascots on the internet has just left us.
We are talking about Kabosuthe sweet purebred female dog Shiba Inu which inspired the famous Doge meme. Early on Friday May 24, its owner confirmed that her four-legged friend had lost her life. The news moved thousands of people, who mobilized to say goodbye to the charming mascot.
Through a publication on his official Instagram account, Atsuko Satoa kindergarten teacher who adopted Kabosu in 2008, announced the sad news and posted an emotional message to bid farewell to her mascot and thank the community for their support.
“On the morning of May 24, Kabosu crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Thank you all so much for your support over the years. She left very peacefully, without suffering, as if she had fallen asleep feeling the warmth of my caressing hands. Thank you all so much for loving her so much over the years. I’m sure she was the happiest dog in the world, which makes me the happiest owner,” Atsuko Sato wrote.
Fans’ farewell to Kabosu, the adorable Shiba Inu behind Doge
Doge fans quickly sent messages of condolence and shared images to pay tribute to the tender mascot. On her blog, the owner of the mascot mentioned that she will organize a farewell party on Sunday May 26 at Flower Kaori, Kotsu no Mori in Narita City, Japan.
Who was Kabosu, the dog who inspired the Doge meme?
Indeed, the story of Kabosu is most curious. Atsuko Sato rescued her from a shelter where she was about to be euthanized in 2008. Her exact age remains a mystery, but it is estimated that she was around 18 years old.
Her owner would take photos of her pets and share them on her personal blog, but one particular image of the Shiba Inu dog that she posted in 2010 captured the internet’s attention.
In the photograph, the sweet dog is seen posing with a curious expression on her face and paws crossed. The image quickly went viral on Reddit, Tumblr, Facebook and Twitter, which laid the foundation for the meme known as Doge. In 2013, she became the face of the cryptocurrency known as Dogecoin. The digital currency gained relevance in 2021 during the NFT fever, and even Elon Musk used the mascot image as a temporary logo for X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Since Kabosu arrived at my home, a series of miraculous things have happened that have enriched my life, giving me a treasure trove of priceless moments,” her owner commented to the newspaper Ashahi Shimbun in February 2024.
Kabosu’s passing not only marks the end of an iconic era for the gaming community and internet meme enthusiasts, but also highlights the profound impact that simple stories can have in the digital landscape. Kabosu, through the Doge meme, has transcended cultural and linguistic boundaries, becoming a symbol of joy and global unity in often fragmented times. His contribution to the world of video games, beyond the simple inspiration for Dogecoin, recalls the important intersection between digital culture, entertainment and human emotions. As video game professionals, we recognize that every element of our culture holds the potential to become an icon, a testament to the innovation and laughter that the industry can bring. Kabosu will forever be remembered as the face behind one of the greatest phenomena of our time.
