The adorable Shiba Inu behind the famous Doge meme, Kabosu, passed away recently at the age of 18. This pup, known for her "knowing" expression, became an internet sensation after her owner, Atsuko Sato, shared a photo of her on her blog in 2010.
The Birth of a Meme Legend
Kabosu's journey to internet stardom began innocently enough. Atsuko Sato, a kindergarten teacher in Japan, adopted Kabosu in 2008. Two years later, she posted a picture of her lovable pet on her blog, not knowing that this simple act would set off a global phenomenon. Kabosu's slightly bewildered, yet wise expression struck a chord with internet users, and the Doge meme was born.
The Rise of Doge
What started as a single photo quickly became a viral hit. The Doge meme, featuring Kabosu's iconic face and humorous captions written in broken English and Comic Sans font, spread like wildfire. "Wow," "such meme," "very doge," "much wow"—these phrases became synonymous with Kabosu's image. The meme's versatility meant it was used by everyone from everyday internet users to government agencies and even weather apps.
Kabosu's influence extended beyond memes. Her face became the logo for Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency initially created as a joke in 2013. Dogecoin's playful and friendly branding, thanks in large part to Kabosu's image, helped it gain a devoted following. The coin received a massive boost in popularity when Elon Musk promoted it on Saturday Night Live in 2021, leading to a surge in its value and making Dogecoin a household name.
Despite her immense internet fame, Kabosu lived a peaceful and quiet life away from the spotlight. Her owner, Sato, often shared glimpses of Kabosu's everyday life on her blog, showing a side of the famous Shiba Inu that few got to see. In 2021, the Reddit user who first discovered Kabosu's photo visited Japan for International Doge Day, highlighting the far-reaching impact of Kabosu's meme fame.
Kabosu's gentle and calm demeanor, along with her iconic expression, made her an unforgettable part of internet history. She will be deeply missed by many, and her legacy will undoubtedly live on. As we say goodbye to Kabosu, we remember her not just as the face of a meme or a cryptocurrency, but as a beloved pet who brought joy to millions around the world. WOW! Such a perfect dog, much loved, very missed.
Comentários