Atsuko Sato, the owner of the beloved Shiba Inu Kabosu, shared the sad news that her pet, who inspired the iconic Doge (and Dogecoin) meme, has passed away at the age of 18.
Kabosu’s journey from a rescue dog to an internet sensation is a testament to the unpredictable nature of viral fame.
The Rise of Kabosu and Dogecoin
Back in 2010, Kabosu became one of the most well-known faces of pop culture when the internet uncovered photographs of her posing with a comical side-eye and a Mona Lisa smile.
These images, initially shared on Sato’s blog, quickly spread across various online platforms, captivating audiences worldwide. The meme’s unique charm lies in its simplicity and humour, often featuring Kabosu’s face with captions in Comic Sans font and broken English.
The Doge meme’s popularity soared to new heights when it inspired the creation of Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency that started as a joke but soon gained a massive following.
Endorsed by tech mogul Elon Musk, Dogecoin became a significant player in the cryptocurrency market, further cementing Kabosu’s legacy in digital culture.
Doge Humour: Much Wow, Such Fun
One of the most endearing aspects of the Doge meme is its playful use of language. Common captions often include words like “much” or “such” in front of adjectives or nouns, creating phrases like “much wow” or “such happy.” These captions, characterized by poor spelling and grammar, add to the meme’s whimsical appeal.
Kabosu’s face has been creatively edited onto various objects, from bread to famous landmarks, showcasing the internet’s boundless creativity. This humorous and lighthearted approach to meme-making has made Doge a beloved figure in online communities.
Kabosu’s Life Beyond the Meme
Kabosu’s story began in 2008 when she was adopted by Atsuko Sato from an animal shelter. Named after the kabosu fruit due to her roundness, Kabosu quickly became a cherished member of Sato’s family.
Source: Rolling Stone
Her Instagram page offers a glimpse into her life beyond the meme, showing a pet who grew old while being very much loved by her family.
Despite her internet fame, Kabosu remained a regular dog at heart, enjoying simple pleasures and the company of her owner. Sato often shared snippets of their life together, highlighting the bond they shared and the joy Kabosu brought into their home.
A Peaceful Farewell
All good things must come to an end, and so did Kabosu’s time on earth. On the morning of May 24, 2024, Kabosu passed away peacefully. In a touching blog post, Sato described the serene moment, with birds singing outside and soft morning light streaming in through the window. Kabosu fell into a deep slumber, surrounded by love and warmth.
To honour Kabosu’s memory, Sato will be hosting a farewell party on May 26 at Flower Kaori in Kotsu no Mori, Narita City, from 1 pm to 4 pm. This event will be an opportunity for fans and friends to celebrate the life of a dog who brought so much joy to the world.
Kabosu’s Legacy and the Impact of Dogecoin
Kabosu’s legacy extends far beyond her role as the face of a meme. The Doge meme and Dogecoin have created a community of fans who appreciate the humour and positivity that Kabosu’s image represents.
Dogecoin, in particular, has become a symbol of the internet’s ability to turn a simple joke into a significant cultural phenomenon.
“Never in a million years would I have imagined the impact that my photoshoot of Kabosu would have on the internet. It’s a moment that’s evolved and taken on a life of its own over the last decade — being shared millions of times and creating an entire community around the Doge meme,” Sato reflected.
Join the Celebration of Kabosu’s Life
As we bid farewell to Kabosu, we remember the joy and laughter she brought into our lives. Her legacy as the Doge meme icon and the face of Dogecoin will continue to inspire and entertain future generations.
Take a moment to share Kabosu’s story with your children and celebrate the positive impact she had on the world.