The beloved Japanese dog Kabosu, whose image sparked the “Doge” meme and inspired the $23 billion Dogecoin cryptocurrency, passed away on Friday. Her owner, Atsuko Sato, shared the sad news on her blog. Sato wrote, “She quietly passed away as if asleep while I caressed her. I think Kabo-chan was the happiest dog in the world. And I was the happiest owner.”
Kabosu was a rescue dog, adopted by Sato from a puppy mill in 2008. She gained internet fame in 2010 when Sato posted a photo of her crossing her paws on the sofa. This adorable image quickly spread online, becoming the basis for the “Doge” meme, known for its humorous captions in broken English.
The original photo of Kabosu was later sold as a Non-Fungible Token (NFT) for $4 million. The meme also led to the creation of Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency that started as a joke but grew in popularity and value. Dogecoin now has a market capitalization of $23 billion and has been endorsed by celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, Mark Cuban, and Gene Simmons. Elon Musk, in particular, has been a strong advocate for Dogecoin.
Kabosu’s impact on internet culture and the world of cryptocurrency is significant. She brought joy and laughter to many and played a role in a major digital phenomenon. Her legacy will continue to be remembered by fans around the globe.
