Kabosu, the adorable Shiba Inu who captured the hearts of millions as the face of the iconic "Doge" meme and the inspiration behind the Dogecoin cryptocurrency, has passed away peacefully at the age of 17. Her departure marks the end of an era for an internet icon whose expressive and charming face became a global symbol of the whimsical and humorous spirit of the online world.

Kabosu's owner, Atsuko Sato, shared the heartbreaking news on her official blog, expressing deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support shown to her beloved pet over the years. To honor Kabosu's memory, a farewell party will be held on May 26 at Flower Kaori in Kotsu no Mori, Narita City, allowing fans and supporters to pay their respects to the iconic Shiba Inu.

Kabosu's journey to internet stardom began in 2010 when Sato posted photos of her newly adopted dog on her blog. One particular image of Kabosu, displaying a skeptical yet curious expression, quickly went viral, giving birth to the "Doge" meme. This image, paired with humorous phrases in broken English and Comic Sans font, became an integral part of internet culture, embodying the playful and often absurd nature of online humor.

In 2013, the meme's popularity skyrocketed with the creation of Dogecoin, which adopted Kabosu's iconic image as its official logo. Initially conceived as a joke, Dogecoin evolved into a popular cryptocurrency that played a significant role in several charitable endeavors, such as funding clean water projects and supporting the Jamaican bobsled team.

The widespread affection for Kabosu transcended the meme itself, with countless fans and members of the crypto community sharing heartfelt tributes and favorite memories of the dog who became an internet legend. Kabosu's enduring legacy is a testament to her unique charm and the unifying power of internet culture. As the Dogecoin community mourns the loss of their beloved mascot, they also celebrate the joy and laughter she brought to millions around the world.