Kabosu the world famous doge meme dog has died

The world famous doge meme dog has died.

Kabosu's owner confirmed his death in a blog post today (24 May).

The rescue pup was more than 17 years old, having gone viral back in 2013, and had previously been reported to be unwell.

A photo of the Shiba Inu dog captured the internet and it was quickly immortalised on social media as the unforgettable doge meme - you know the one, the one that usually gets covered with comic sans text.

Following the worldwide meme fame, Japanese dog Kabosu became the inspiration behind the Doge meme cryptocurrency.

Owner Atsuko Sato posted on her Kabosu blog that the dog had 'fell into a deep sleep' and 'passed away quietly'.

Translated from Japanese to English, she wrote in a poetic post: "To all of you who loved me, Really, thank you very much.

"Kabocha is, The happiest person in the world, I think it was a dog. And, I, The happiest person in the world, It was the owner.

"Kabocha is, Still now, Smiling, Wagging his tail."

Atsuko is holding a farewell party for the viral Doge on Sunday 26 May at Flower Kaori in Kotsu no Mori, Narita City.

Dogecoin paid tribute to Kabosu on X, as it wrote: "Today Kabosu, our community's shared friend and inspiration, peacefully passed in the arms of her person. The impact this one dog has made across the world is immeasurable.

"She was a being who knew only happiness and limitless love.

"Please keep her spirit and her family in your heart, and most importantly carry her with you as your story continues - we are all fortunate for hers to have touched and shaped ours."

And, of course, fans have created a whole load of memes in tribute to Kabosu to say 'rest in peace'.

One said 'she is resting with Harambe now' as another echoed: "I was so happy to follow this doge, I hope it will continue to make people smile forever."

Plenty said 'thank you for all the memes' as they sent their love to the owner and 'the doge community'.

"You were a good girl, thanks for the memes," another said.

Many said 'a legend joins the stars' as others said: "RIP, you have contributed a lot to the world."

"The universe took our beloved Kabosu," one wrote.

Rest in Peace the Doge king.