The dog responsible for the DogeCoin cryptocurrency is on his last legs

Kabuso is suffering from several health issues that threaten its survival

The 17-year-old Japanese Shiba Inu, Kabuso, famous for the meme “Doge,” has been diagnosed with leukemia and liver disease, her owner announced. Many fans on Americas Cardroom will recall that last year Kabuso’s meme was sold as a non-fungible token (NFT) for a staggering $4 million. The little dog has since been loved by many and the recent news clearly brings much sadness to the community.

Through an Instagram post, Kabuso’s owner, Sato, revealed that the Shiba Inu suffers from chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow. In addition, the dog also suffers from cholangiohepatitis, an inflammation of the bile ducts, gallbladder, and liver tissue.

About a decade ago, Kabosu became an internet sensation from a 2010 photo that Sato posted on her blog. The image shows Kabosu with his paws crossed, looking slightly sideways at the camera with a small smirk.

Since then, Kabosu and her Doge meme have gone viral, and even the recently launched Dogecoin cryptocurrency is inspired by the meme. In 2021, the “Doge” meme sold as an NFT for a staggering $4 million, making it the most expensive NFT meme ever sold.

Elon Musk is a fan and Dogecoin sponsored Watford Football Club in England, with Kabosu’s face appearing on the sleeves of the team’s jersey. It is important to note that this famous Shiba Inu is currently 17 years old and that most dogs of this renowned Japanese breed have a life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years, so she has been cared for quite well.