Kabosu, dog meme and Dogecoin inspiration, dies at 18

by Tara Suter - 05/24/24 2:58 PM ET

Kabosu, the dog behind the “Doge” meme, which in turn inspired the cryptocurrency Dogecoin, has died at the age of 18, according to her owner.

“On the morning of the 24th of May, Kabosu crossed the rainbow bridge,” according to a Friday Instagram post. “Thank you all so much for your support over the years. She went very peacefully without suffering, as if falling asleep while feeling the warmth of my hands petting her.”

Kabosu, a Shiba Inu, experienced widespread internet fame as a meme after her owner posted photos of her in 2010. The meme inspired Dogecoin, a popular cryptocurrency for which billionaire businessman Elon Musk has stated his support and favoritism multiple times.

Japanese Shiba Inu dog Kabosu, best known as the logo of cryptocurrency Dogecoin, takes a rest at the office of her owner Atsuko Sato after playing with children at a kindergarten in Narita, Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo, March 19, 2024. Kabosu died at the age of 18, according to her owner.

Musk seemed to express his sadness over Kabosu’s death by posting to social platform X an image of a gorilla with angel wings in the clouds hugging a dog that looks similar to Kabosu.

“OG Doge has ascended to heaven to be with his friend Harambe,” Musk replied to the photo, also referencing the gorilla Harambe who was shot by a Cincinnati Zoo worker in 2016.

Tags cryptocurrency dog Elon Musk