Kabosu, the Shiba Inu dog whose iconic facial expression became the cornerstone of numerous internet memes about Doge, has passed away. Kabosu’s owner, Atsuko Sato, announced this news on her official blog, expressing deep gratitude for the love and support Kabosu received over the years. Sato explained that on May 26th, a farewell party in honor of “Kabo-chan” will be held at Flower Kaori in Kotsu no Mori, Narita City.
“She quietly passed away, as if sleeping, while I was petting her,” wrote Sato, according to AFP news agency’s translation. “I think Kabo-chan was the happiest dog in the world. And I was the happiest owner.”
The famous image of Kabosu was taken in 2010 and uploaded to Sato’s blog, where it remains online to this day. A specific image of Kabosu, sporting a skeptical and inquisitive expression, rapidly gained popularity, leading to the birth of the “Doge” meme. The dog’s owner told the website Know Your Meme that there was nothing unusual about the picture.
I take lots of pictures every day, so there was nothing unusual about that day. Kabosu loves being photographed, so she was happy when the camera was pointed at her.
And she remained puzzled by the internet fame her pet attracted. “I didn’t know anything, and I still don’t understand,” she said.
By 2013, the popularity of the iconic meme soared after the creation of Dogecoin, where Kabosu’s image was used as the official logo. In 2021, an NFT featuring the image was sold for $4 million.
Although Dogecoin was initially conceived as a joke, it evolved into a popular cryptocurrency, responsible for several charitable initiatives, including water sanitation projects and funding the Jamaican bobsled team.
Fans Pay Tribute
The crypto community and fans of Kabosu have expressed their condolences, sharing tributes and some favorite memories of the dog who became an internet legend.
Dogecoin also paid tribute to the dog on X, stating that she was “a being that knew only happiness and boundless love.”
Sakura City, Kabosu’s hometown, is so proud of its famous mascot that the dog’s image was used on manhole covers, and earlier this year, a bronze statue of Kabosu was unveiled, funded by donations from fans worldwide.
This isn’t the first time fans have rallied to support their beloved inspiration. In December 2022, Sato informed the community that Kabosu was in a “critical condition” health-wise, prompting overwhelming support from the crypto community.
Among them, one of the creators of Dogecoin, Billy Markus, known as Shibetoshi Nakamoto, urged his followers to show support, leading one user to offer to cover “any expenses needed to ensure the best treatment.”
How Did Kabosu’s Death Affect Dogecoin’s Price?
Today, Dogecoin’s price dropped by 3.17%, trading at $0.16 according to CoinMarketCap. This decline could be linked to the news of Kabosu’s passing, who not only symbolizes the coin but also holds significant emotional value within the community’s connection to this cryptocurrency. However, it’s also possible that other factors, such as technical market aspects or changes in the overall economic situation, may have influenced Dogecoin’s price.
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The legacy of this dog as the face of crypto culture and Dogecoin will continue to symbolize the spirit of the community and inspire future generations of meme culture. Rest in Peace, Kabosu.
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