Kabosu, dog meme and Dogecoin inspiration, dies at 18

Kabosu, the dog behind the “Doge” meme, which in turn inspired the cryptocurrency Dogecoin, has died at the age of 18, according to his owner.

“On the morning of May 24, Kabosu crossed the Rainbow Bridge,” according to an Instagram post on Friday. “Thank you very much for your support over the years. She passed away very peacefully, without suffering, as if she fell asleep feeling the warmth of my hands caressing her.

Kabosu, a Shiba Inu, rose to Internet fame as a meme after her owner posted photos of her in 2010. The meme inspired Dogecoin, a popular cryptocurrency for which the billionaire businessman Elon Musk has repeatedly declared his support and favoritism.

Japanese dog Shiba Inu Kabosu, better known by the logo name of the cryptocurrency Dogecoin, rests at the desk of its owner Atsuko Sato after playing with children at a kindergarten in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, in east of Tokyo on March 19, 2024. Kabosu died at the age of 18, according to his owner.

Musk appeared to express his sadness over Kabosu’s death by posting an image on social platform X of a gorilla with angel wings in the clouds hugging a dog that resembles Kabosu.

“OG Doge went to heaven to be with his friend Harambe,” Musk replied to the photo, also referencing the gorilla Harambe who was shot and killed by a Cincinnati Zoo employee in 2016.

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