- Kabosu, the dog behind the Doge meme and Dogecoin mascot, has passed away at the age of 18.
- The news was announced by Kabosu’s owner, Atsuko Sato, on her official blog.
- Sato described Kabosu’s passing as peaceful, sharing a heartfelt message about her final moments.
Remembering Kabosu: The Doge Meme Icon and Dogecoin Mascot’s Legacy
Doge’s History: From Meme, to Crypto, to Legend
Kabosu first gained widespread attention in 2010 when Sato shared photos of her adopted dog on her blog. A particular image of Kabosu, capturing her skeptical and curious expression, swiftly went viral and birthed the “Doge” meme phenomenon. This single image, accompanied by phrases in broken English, became a cornerstone of early meme culture. By 2013, the popularity of the foundational meme surged after Dogecoin was created, using Kabosu’s image as its official logo. Despite initially being intended as a joke, Dogecoin became a popular cryptocurrency. It became responsible for several charitable initiatives, including clean water projects and funding for the Jamaican bobsled team. This also normalized meme coins in the crypto space, resulting in the rise of some of the most popular meme coins. Many of these coins adopted the Shiba Inu as their mascot, paying homage to the original meme that sparked the trend. The original Doge image was also minted as an NFT in 2023. It sold for 1,696 ETH, worth $4 million. Since being sold, the NFT has been divided into billions of smaller, tradable units for fractional ownership. Her influence extends to political campaigns. For example, United States President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign announced hiring a “master of memes” on May 23.
The Crypto Community Commemorates Kabo
The crypto community and fans of Kabosu have expressed their condolences, sharing tributes and favorite memories of the dog that became an internet legend. The official Shiba Inu token, competitor to Dogecoin, tweeted a heartfelt tribute underscoring Kabosu’s impact on crypto. Today, the internet loses a legend. Thank you, Kabosu, for inspiring a generation of meme-makers and dog lovers. Run free across the rainbow bridge! 🐕 #RIPKabosu — Shib (@Shibtoken) May 24, 2024 When news of her ill health was released, Dogecoin co-creator Billy Markus asked his followers to send support. His call to action led to one user offering to cover “any expenses needed to make sure she gets the best treatment.” Kabosu’s legacy as the face of crypto culture will continue to symbolize community spirit and inspire future generations of meme enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Kabosu’s passing marks the end of an era for meme and crypto culture, but her legacy will live on. From her humble beginnings as a rescued dog to becoming an icon that influenced internet culture and cryptocurrency, Kabosu has left an indelible mark. As the community comes together to remember her, Kabosu’s story serves as a testament to the power of memes and the unexpected ways they can shape our world.
