Kabosu, the Iconic DOGE Meme Dog, Passes Away at 18
Kabosu, the Shiba Inu who became an internet sensation and the face of Dogecoin, passed away peacefully on May 24 at 18 years old. Her owner, Atsuko Sato, announced the news on her blog, expressing deep gratitude for the love and support shown to Kabosu over the years. A farewell party will be held at Flower Kaori in Kotsu no Mori, Narita City, on May 26.
Kabosu’s journey to fame began in 2010 when Sato posted photos of her adopted dog online. One particular image, showcasing Kabosu’s sceptical and curious expression, went viral and gave birth to the “Doge” meme. This image, paired with phrases in broken English and Comic Sans font, became a cornerstone of internet culture.
In 2013, Dogecoin was created, using Kabosu’s image as its official logo. Initially intended as a joke, Dogecoin quickly gained popularity and became a significant player in the cryptocurrency world. It was used for various charitable initiatives, such as funding clean water projects and supporting the Jamaican bobsled team. By early 2021, Dogecoin saw a dramatic surge in value, reaching an all-time high of $0.7316 in May.
In December 2022, Sato informed the community that Kabosu was in a “dangerous position” healthwise. This announcement sparked overwhelming support from the crypto community, with figures like Dogecoin co-creator Billy Markus, known as Shibetoshi Nakamoto, rallying followers to support Kabosu. One user even offered to cover all expenses for Kabosu’s treatment.
Kabosu’s legacy extends beyond her role as the face of Dogecoin. Her influence has even touched political campaigns, with the U.S. President’s reelection campaign hiring a “master of memes” to manage digital media relationships. Kabosu’s impact on meme culture and the crypto world is undeniable.
Kabosu’s Final Moments
On May 24, Sato shared a heartfelt description of Kabosu’s final moments. Kabosu passed away peacefully at 7:50 AM, surrounded by the soft morning light and the sound of birds. The crypto market reacted significantly to her passing, with Dogecoin’s value surging nearly 10% in a “tribute pump.” Various Kabosu-themed meme coins also saw significant increases in value.
The reaction to Kabosu’s death has been mixed. Some view the rapid market response as a fitting tribute, while others criticise the idea of trading on the death of a beloved pet. Kabosu’s impact on internet culture and the crypto sector remains profound despite these differing opinions.
someone accumulated billions of $KABOSU throughout the year betting on the dogs death
As the world mourns Kabosu’s death, it also celebrates the joy and innovation she inspired. Kabosu’s legacy as the face of Dogecoin and a symbol of community spirit will continue to inspire future generations of meme culture.
