Doge, a slang term for "dog," is associated with the iconic Shiba Inu named Kabosu. Atsuko Sato, Kabosu's owner, shared her photos in 2010, which later went viral in 2013, sparking numerous memes and trends. Initially, these images were accompanied by interior monologues in the vibrant Comic Sans font.

Kabosu, also known as Kabo-Chan, was the female Shiba Inu behind the original meme. Born on November 2, 2005, she became an internet sensation when Sato posted her photos on a personal blog. One particular shot of Kabosu, with her sideways glance and raised eyebrows, garnered attention and paved the way for the meme's rise in popularity, eventually becoming an internet trend in July 2013.

In December 2013, The Verge recognized Kabosu as the original Shiba Inu in the meme. Around the same time, Dogecoin, the first cryptocurrency based on an internet meme, was introduced. 2017 saw the emergence of Ironic Doge formats, which gained prominence over the original wholesome version as the meme continued to evolve.

Unfortunately, Kabosu died of leukemia on 24 May 2024 at the age of 18.

Doge's legacy lives on, celebrated through the expansive world of memes. It serves as a testament to the enduring humor, warmth, and captivating allure of the internet. Doge's influence stays unwavering, captivating the hearts and minds of many, ensuring its everlasting presence. Such is the power of this timeless meme, an eternal phenomenon that resonates with millions. The spirit of Doge prevails, leaving an indelible mark on the digital meme-scape. Wow, the legacy of Doge thrives!


Further reading:

Doge Meme (Wikipedia)
Doge (Know Your Meme)