Shiba Inu, Doge Meme, Dogecoin Creator Dies at 18

"Doge" meme dog Kabosu, face of Dogecoin, dies at 18 after battling health issues. Owner thanks fans for love.

The beloved Japanese Shibu Inu, Kabosu, who rose to fame as the face of the "doge" meme and Dogecoin, has passed away after a long battle with health issues. Her owner, Atsuko Sato, announced the sad news on Instagram, revealing that Kabosu peacefully crossed the rainbow bridge at the age of 18, succumbing to leukemia and liver disease.

Atsuko Sato, a teacher in Japan, adopted Kabosu in 2008 after she was rescued from an animal shelter following the closure of a puppy mill. Kabosu gained internet stardom in 2010 when a photo of her with a sly smile and crossed paws went viral on Sato's blog. Her images, often accompanied by quirky Comic Sans captions like "wow" and "much doge," captured the hearts of millions worldwide.

The iconic Shibu Inu's image was later used as the face of the meme-inspired cryptocurrency, Dogecoin, which was launched in 2013. Despite initially being unaware of the cryptocurrency's success, Sato eventually took steps to protect Kabosu's image by signing licensing agreements to prevent unauthorized merchandise.

Kabosu's legacy lives on as Dogecoin has become the eighth-most valuable cryptocurrency with a market capitalization of $23 billion. Sato, who described Kabosu as a cherished member of her family, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans around the world.

With a life filled with love, companionship, and over 500,000 adoring fans, Kabosu leaves behind a lasting impact on the internet and the world of cryptocurrency. Her memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her.