Kabosu, the dog who served as the inspiration for the Doge meme and became the beloved mascot of Dogecoin, passed away at the age of 17 on May 25. Atsuko Sato, Kabosu’s owner, shared the sad news on her official blog and expressed her gratitude for the love and support they received throughout the years.
In 2022, it was revealed that Kabosu’s health had deteriorated to a dangerous extent, leading to his passing. Sato had wished for a peaceful and painless death for her beloved companion. She fondly remembered the moment Kabosu peacefully departed, with soft sunlight streaming through the window on a beautiful morning accompanied by the melodies of singing birds. Kabosu passed away as if gently falling asleep, while Sato lovingly stroked him.
Sato also announced a farewell gathering, called the “Kabo-chan” goodbye party, which will be held on May 26 at Flower Kaori in Kotsu no Mori, Narita. The news of Kabosu’s passing has resonated across the internet, uniting pop culture, meme culture, and cryptocurrency enthusiasts in honoring the loss. Kabosu has undeniably made a lasting impact on digital history.
Doge’s Journey: From Internet Meme to Cryptocurrency and Icon
Kabosu gained significant attention in 2010 when Sato shared pictures of her adopted puppy on her blog. One particular photo of Kabosu, capturing her skeptical and inquisitive expression, quickly became viral, igniting the “Doge” meme trend. This iconic image, coupled with poorly written phrases, became a cornerstone of early meme culture.
By 2013, the initial joke had evolved with the introduction of Dogecoin, which adopted Kabosu’s image as its official symbol. Despite its humorous origins, Dogecoin has emerged as a popular cryptocurrency. It has supported various charitable endeavors, such as funding clean water initiatives and sponsoring the Jamaican bobsled team.
This development also established meme-based currencies within the cryptocurrency sphere, leading to the emergence of several widely recognized meme coins. Many of these coins featured the Shiba Inu as their mascot, paying homage to the original meme that sparked the trend. The original Doge image was transformed into an NFT in 2023, selling for 1,696 ETH, equivalent to $4 million.
Following its sale, the NFT was divided into billions of smaller, tradable fragments to enable fractional ownership. Her influence extended to political campaigns, as evidenced by the announcement on May 23 that the reelection campaign of US President Joe Biden had hired a “master of memes.”
The Crypto Community Pays Tribute to Kabo
The crypto community and followers of Kabosu have expressed their grief, sharing tributes and cherished memories of the dog who achieved internet fame. The official Shiba Inu token, a competitor to Dogecoin, has posted a heartfelt tribute acknowledging Kabosu’s significant contribution to the world of cryptocurrency.
When news of Kabosu’s illness became public, Billy Markus, co-creator of Dogecoin, appealed to his supporters for their assistance. One user answered his call by pledging to cover “any necessary expenses to ensure she receives the best treatment.” Kabosu’s legacy as the symbol of cryptocurrency culture will continue to embody the spirit of community and serve as an inspiration for future generations of meme enthusiasts.
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