‘Cheems’, the Hong Kong Shiba Inu dog who went viral as doge meme and became face of a cryptocurrency, dies after a battle with cancer
- Balltze, the 12-year-old Shiba Inu who became the face of the viral ‘Cheems’ doge memes, died on August 18, his Hong Kong owner announced on Instagram
- The dog will be remembered for amusing internet users with his knowing smile and love of ‘cheemsburgers’. ‘He brought joy to many,’ his owner wrote in a tribute
The dog who was the face of “Cheems” doge memes has died, his Hong Kong owner announced on social media.
Balltze, a Shiba Inu sometimes called by his nickname, Ball Ball, was immortalised on the internet when memes featuring him with a goofy, knowing smile on his face went viral.
“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,” she wrote.
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Viral ‘bonk’ meme dog Cheems Balltze dies at 12 after battling cancer
Kathy first reported that Balltze likely had cancer in a post in July, and said she was struggling to accept it herself.
In some of his memes, Balltze was known for loving “cheemsburgers”, while in others, he held a baseball bat to “bonk” people on the head with.
Balltze’s owner said that donations made for his medical bills will be donated to animal charities.
