LIVECreation and Impact of Dogecoin
Kabosu's internet fame reached new heights in December 2013 when her iconic image became the face of Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency created as a lighthearted joke by software engineers Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer. The currency's playful origin and the endearing image of Kabosu crossing her paws on the sofa became its defining symbols. Dogecoin has since garnered support from notable figures such as Snoop Dogg, Gene Simmons, and Elon Musk, who has been known to tweet about the currency, causing its value to surge. In 2021, an NFT of the famous Doge meme sold for an astounding $4 million, further cementing Kabosu's impact on digital culture.
Health Challenges and Legacy
Despite her global fame, Kabosu faced health challenges in her later years. In late 2022, she was diagnosed with leukemia and liver disease. Sato shared that the collective prayers and support from Kabosu's fans worldwide played a crucial role in her recovery. Kabosu's legacy extends beyond her meme fame:
- In November 2023, a bronze statue of Kabosu was unveiled in her hometown of Sakura, funded by donations from fans around the world.
- Kabosu and the "Own The Doge" crypto organization have donated substantial sums to international charities, including over $1 million to Save the Children, the single largest crypto contribution the NGO has ever received.
As the world bids farewell to Kabosu, her impact as the beloved "Doge" meme icon and the joy she brought to millions will continue to be celebrated, serving as a testament to the power of the internet to unite people globally.
LIVEOn May 24, 2023, Atsuko Sato, a 62-year-old kindergarten teacher from Sakura, Japan, shared the sad news of Kabosu's peaceful passing in a heartfelt poem on her blog. The beloved Shiba Inu, who had been battling leukemia and liver disease since 2020, took her last breath at 7:50 a.m. while being tenderly caressed by her owner. Sato expressed her belief that Kabosu was the happiest dog in the world and that she herself was the happiest owner. The Dogecoin community paid tribute to Kabosu on X, acknowledging her immeasurable impact on the world as a being who knew only happiness and limitless love.
Adoption and Rise to Fame
Kabosu's journey to internet stardom began in 2008 when Sato adopted her from an animal shelter that was closing down. In 2010, Sato captured a photograph of Kabosu with a charming smirk and crossed paws, which she shared on her blog. The image quickly went viral on social media platforms like Tumblr and Reddit, where it was dubbed "Doge" and became the subject of countless memes featuring colorful Comic Sans text overlays and intentionally broken English phrases. Kabosu's endearing expression and the meme's humorous tone resonated with internet users worldwide, propelling her to unprecedented levels of online fame and cementing her status as an iconic figure in digital culture.
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