Cheems Balltze, the Shiba Inu who went viral as the “doge meme” dog, passed away on August 18, 2023 after a battle with cancer.
Balltze’s pet parent announced the news in a touch Instagram post: “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,” they wrote. “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 has completed. I believe he is running freely in the sky and having a lot of delicious food with his new friends.”
Cheems lived in Hong Kong where, in 2017, the photogenic dog gained internet stardom as his pictures went viral, most notably the “Swole Doge vs. Cheems.” The lovable pup was 12-years old at the time of his passing.
“I’m truly grateful to all of you, your love and support to Ball Ball is so unconditional and I found that is the purest love in the world, having Ball Ball in my life is the best thing ever happened,” the touching Instagram post continued. “The donation and brass pins money I have collected for the medical bills will be now donating to local animal charities. Thank you everyone, thank you, Balltze knows how much he was loved by all of you.”
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