Communities across the internet are mourning the passing of Kabosu, the dog behind the popular Doge meme and Dogecoin mascot. Kabosu passed away peacefully at the age of 17 on May 25, as announced by her owner, Atsuko Sato. Sato expressed gratitude for the love and support Kabosu received over the years and shared that the passing was gentle and without suffering. A farewell gathering in honor of Kabosu was scheduled for May 26 at Flower Kaori in Narita City, reflecting the impact Kabosu had on internet culture.
Kabosu rose to fame in 2010 when Sato shared photos of her on her blog, with one particular image capturing Kabosu’s skeptical and curious expression going viral and giving birth to the Doge meme phenomenon. By 2013, the meme’s popularity surged with the creation of Dogecoin, using Kabosu’s image as its official logo. Despite starting as a joke, Dogecoin became a popular cryptocurrency known for its charitable initiatives, including funding clean water projects and the Jamaican bobsled team. Kabosu’s influence also paved the way for the rise of meme coins and NFTs, with the original Doge image being minted as an NFT and sold for $4 million.
The news of Kabosu’s passing has united pop culture, meme culture, and crypto culture in remembering the loss of a beloved internet icon. Tributes and condolences have poured in from the crypto community and fans of Kabosu, with the official Shiba Inu token, a competitor to Dogecoin, sharing a heartfelt tribute and expressing gratitude for inspiring a generation of meme-makers and dog lovers. Dogecoin co-creator Billy Markus also called for support when news of Kabosu’s ill health was announced, leading to one user offering to cover any expenses needed for Kabosu’s treatment.
Kabosu’s legacy as the face of crypto culture will continue to symbolize the spirit of community and inspire future generations of meme enthusiasts. Despite her passing, Kabosu’s impact on internet history remains significant, with her image and meme continuing to be influential in various aspects of online culture. Her gentle passing and the outpouring of love and support from fans and communities around the world serve as a testament to the impact she had and the lasting impression she leaves behind. Kabosu’s memory will live on through the many tributes and fond memories shared by those who were touched by her presence online.
