Remembering Balltze, the Shiba Inu behind doge meme

The internet is currently mourning the loss of Balltze, a Shiba Inu dog whose face became one of the most well-loved memes online.

Balltze is the dog behind the viral “Cheems” meme. To unravel what makes random photos or gifs on the internet become memes would be a long journey but no one can deny that Baltze's comical faces made him a star.

Balltze's was probably one of the most famous dogs in the world. He had his own website, a lot of merchandise with his face on them, and even a cryptocurrency made in his honor. Yes, the Dogecoin.

But after 12 years on this Earth, Balltze had to bid goodbye. On his Instagram account, his owners shared, “Ball Ball fell asleep on 18/8. He fell asleep on Friday morning during his last thoracentesis surgery. Originally, we wanted to arrange chemotherapy or other possible treatment for him after this operation, but it is too late now.”

“Don't be sad, please remember the joy that Balltze brought to the world. A Shiba Inu with a round smiling face connecting you and me, he has helped many people during the pandemic and brought a lot of joy to many of you, but now his mission [is]completed.”

“I believe he is running freely in the sky and having a lot of delicious food with his new friends. He will always be inside my heart. I hope he can continue to bring joy to everyone in the online world, that's my only humble request,” they further said.

Baltze's legacy will continue to live on especially to people whose lives he touched. Check out his viral memes below.