Kabosu, the dog behind the “doge” meme and the face of Dogecoin, has died at the age of 18 after struggling with her health.

The Japanese shiba inu, who won the hearts of millions of people across the world, had been suffering from leukemia and liver disease.

Her owner, Atsuko Sato, took to Instagram to announce the news on Friday, 24 May, to Kabosu’s 525,000 followers.

“To all of you who loved Kabosu, on the morning of the 24 May, Kabosu crossed the rainbow bridge. Thank you all so much for your support over the years,” Atsuko Sato, her owner, wroteon Instagram.

The Doge Meme dog, Kabosu has died.She was 18 years old.pic.twitter.com/ScMhYn2kuF

“She went very peacefully without suffering, as if falling asleep while feeling the warmth of my hands petting her. Thank you all so much for loving Kabosu all these years.

“I am certain Kabosu was the happiest dog in the world. That makes me the happiest owner in the world. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to everyone who has sent us much love to us.”

Sato, a teacher from Japan, adopted Kabosu in 2008 when she was sent to an animal shelter after her puppy mill shut down.

A post shared by かぼすママ (@kabosumama)

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Kabosu is also the face of thecryptocurrency Dogecoin, which was originally created as a “joke” currency and is the sleeve sponsor of English football team Watford Football Club.

Alice Sjöberg is an Evergreen Specialist on Dexerto’s UK team, focusing on Entertainment content. She is an NCTJ qualified journalist, providing expert coverage of trending, viral news from X/Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok. Alice also has bylines at The Mirror, MSN, Daily Express, OK! Magazine, and The Chronicle. You can contact her at: alice.sjoberg@dexerto.com