Doge is ill

December 28, 2022 12:53 PM

From the owner's Instagram page. Kabosu, the 17-year-old shiba inu that inspired the Doge meme, has been diagnosed with leukemia and liver disease.

Some coverage, including links to social media posts:

Dog that inspired ‘Doge’ meme has leukemia and liver disease, owner says (Maya Yang, The Guardian)

In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Atsuko Sato, the Japan-based owner of Kabosu, revealed that the 17-year-old shiba inu has chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a type of blood and bone marrow cancer, and cholangiohepatitis, an inflammation of the bile ducts, gallbladder and liver tissue.

Shiba inu behind ‘Doge’ meme diagnosed with leukemia and liver disease, owner says (Marlene Lenthang, NBC)

Kabosu stopped eating and drinking on Christmas Eve, Sato said in a post earlier this week, noting they visited a hospital the same day. In a follow up post Tuesday, she said that her appetite returned and she could drink water.

Sato said she and Kabosu are powering through with the support of their fans across the globe.

Previously, Nov. 2022: Happy 17th birthday to Kabosu

The owner's blog (Japanese language): https://kabochan.blog.jp/

posted by Sockin'inthefreeworld (16 comments total)

Much sad.
posted by Windopaene at 12:57 PM on December 28, 2022 [9 favorites]

so crying

.
posted by supermedusa at 12:59 PM on December 28, 2022 [5 favorites]

much thanks
so fan
happy trails
posted by winesong at 1:46 PM on December 28, 2022 [3 favorites]

Poor doge!
posted by cstross at 1:47 PM on December 28, 2022

.
posted by Splunge at 2:47 PM on December 28, 2022

<p style="font-family:'Tragic Sans'">.<p>
posted by zamboni at 2:53 PM on December 28, 2022 [1 favorite]

Maybe she'll find an island
With a shaded tree
Just like the one in our back yard.
posted by SPrintF at 4:06 PM on December 28, 2022 [3 favorites]

.
posted by JoeXIII007 at 4:35 PM on December 28, 2022

😢
posted by TedW at 6:10 PM on December 28, 2022

17 years is a good long run, she clearly lived a loved and happy life and she absolutely changed the world. Can't ask for more. Good dog. Good dog.
posted by The otter lady at 10:06 PM on December 28, 2022 [12 favorites]

That’s sad, but that is indeed a good long run.
posted by Katjusa Roquette at 12:03 AM on December 29, 2022

That’s sad, but that is indeed a good long run. .
posted by Katjusa Roquette at 12:04 AM on December 29, 2022

🦴
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 12:11 AM on December 29, 2022 [1 favorite]

"Parrots, elephants and redwoods
Live a longer life than Man does;
Men, a longer life than dogs do;
Dogs —" but never mind; they loved us.
posted by clew at 12:23 AM on December 29, 2022 [2 favorites]

A world-renowned cultural icon reaches the end of her days. It's Elizabeth Windsor all over again. Only, y'know, doggier.

I have terrible difficulty with what seems like the impending mortality from puppy- or kitten- or whatever-hood of our pets, and I think I could only have one when I'm old enough that there's a good chance the pet would outlive me. I'm sure it's a valuable lesson, and good to be aware of one's mortality, but with everything else it's just too sad. Perhaps that's the looming year-end talking - it is a time when I become slightly unhinged, emotionally.

Anyway, here's a sentimental song on the subject.

Vale Kabosu! You will have been a good dog.
posted by Grangousier at 7:53 AM on December 29, 2022

We certainly know who's a good girl. Sweet doge.
posted by annieb at 12:53 PM on December 29, 2022