Some memes offer more than just laughs and make their way into our daily lives. The viral meme dog, Cheems the Shiba Inu, was one such example. The iconic internet symbol passed away at the age of 12, leaving the online community devastated. The Shiba Inu whose full name was Cheems Balltze became known as Ball Ball to many and spread through some hilarious and wholesome memes. Let’s take a look at what happened to Cheems the Shiba Inu and the moving tributes on social media for the viral meme dog’s death.
Cheems the Shiba Inu dies at 12
The owner of Cheems Balltze took to the viral meme dog’s popular Instagram handle to announce that the Shiba Inu had died on August 18. Cheems had been battling pancreatic cancer and went to sleep during his thoracentesis surgery and never woke up.
Despite the loss, the owner Kathy asked fans not to grieve but to remember the happiness that Cheems had brought into their lives. She had made Cheems’ recent medical struggles public and thanked the doctors who had helped him over the past six months.
Many fans had made donations to the owner for Cheems’ medical expenses. Now that the viral meme dog has sadly passed away, Kathy revealed that the proceeds will go to local animal charities. In May 2022, Cheems had been diagnosed with pancreatitis.
Viral Cheems dog memes explained
Cheems Balltze’s viral journey on the internet started in 2019 with the viral Cheems Doge meme. Intentionally misspelling words and adding the letter ‘M’ to them (like ‘cheemsburbger’) was part of the long-running joke featuring Cheems’ picture on the side.
The viral dog meme gained traction on Reddit on subs like r/dogelore. The Shiba Inu went on to become part of another meme trend called the ‘Swole Doge vs Cheems’ format. Here, representatives of the same group from different eras are often compared.
Cheems brought laughter to countless people, especially during the difficult times of the pandemic. His round smiling face will forever be etched in the history books of the internet.
Social media mourns Cheems the Shiba Inu’s death
Cheems’s memes brightened many people’s lives online and it’s only fair that he got a fitting send-off from the internet. Tributes and condolences have been pouring in, making him one of the most iconic dogs of all time.
Rest in Peace Balltze Cheems 🙏 pic.twitter.com/5EEaElCSJ9
— IAHFY ✦ (@iah_fy) August 19, 2023
RIP Cheems 🫡 pic.twitter.com/LCv0A4Avhd
— Mack (@kenzietuff) August 20, 2023
Balltze, aka Cheems, has left us. This funny yellow dog brought joy to so many. We will miss you, @Balltzehk. 😪 pic.twitter.com/NcLEkA4IyB
— 🐶 NELSON (@PupperNelson) August 19, 2023
https://twitter.com/weirder__/status/1692815623947272683?s=20
RIP Cheems <3 pic.twitter.com/fgrKnGq53S
— animals going goblin mode (@mischiefanimals) August 19, 2023
Platforms like Twitter, Instagram and Reddit were filled with moving messages about how Cheems was the ‘best boy’. People shared their grief as Cheems the Shiba Inu had been a symbol of hope and resilience for them, especially after his cancer battle.
Confusion between Kabosu and Cheems
Cheems Balltze’s death led to an unexpected confusion and a case of mistaken canine identity with another viral Shiba Inu. Some believed that Cheems Balltze was the same Shiba Inu featured in the Doge meme and Elon Musk’s Dogecoin.
It bothers me so much when people say “doge meme dog” died
No that is Kabosu, cheems is cheems not doge
They are different dogs. You are using it on purpose for clicks and attention
Put some respect on his name on the day he died. pic.twitter.com/c8R5fWe00q
— Kasperbit (@Kasperbit) August 19, 2023
However, the other dog’s name is Kabosu and he remains alive and well, according to multiple reports. Social media users clarified the misunderstanding and highlighted their separate places in doge meme culture.
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