Kabosu, the beloved Shiba Inu who captured the hearts of millions as the iconic “Doge” meme and the mascot of Dogecoin, peacefully passed away on May 24. The dog’s owner, Atsuko Sato, shared the news on her official blog, expressing gratitude for the love and support Kabosu received throughout the years. Sato also announced a farewell party in honor of “Kabo-chan” on May 26 at Flower Kaori in Kotsu no Mori, Narita City.
The crypto community and fans of Kabosu have expressed their condolences, sharing tributes and cherished memories of the dog who became an internet legend.
Kabosu’s legacy as the face of crypto culture and Dogecoin will continue to symbolize community spirit and inspire future generations in the world of memes.
Kabosu first gained fame in 2010 when Sato shared pictures of her adopted dog on her blog. One particular image of Kabosu, with a skeptical and curious expression, quickly went viral, giving birth to the “Doge” meme. This single image, accompanied by broken English phrases and Comic Sans font, became a cornerstone of internet culture.
In 2013, the popularity of the meme skyrocketed when Dogecoin was created, using Kabosu’s image as its official logo. Originally meant as a joke, Dogecoin evolved into a popular cryptocurrency that supported various charitable initiatives, including funding clean water projects and the Jamaican bobsled team.
In December 2022, Sato shared the news that Kabosu’s health was in a precarious state, prompting overwhelming support from the crypto community. This support included Shibetoshi Nakamoto, co-creator of Dogecoin (also known as Billy Markus), urging his followers to send their well wishes. One generous user even offered to cover any expenses necessary for Kabosu’s treatment.
Kabosu’s impact has extended beyond the realm of memes and into political campaigns. The meme movement has become a fundamental aspect of political marketing, as evidenced by the hiring of a “master of memes” for United States President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign. This role involves managing relationships with digital media companies, podcasts, and various meme pages on social media platforms.
In the face of crypto’s legal challenges, such as the SEC’s battle against Godzilla vs. Kong, Kabosu remains a symbol of the power and influence of memes in the cryptocurrency world.