In 2013, two programmers named Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer created Dogecoin that was based on the underlying code of an existing cryptocurrency.

Their objective was to make a parody on the thriving cryptocurrency industry at the time.

As a result, Dogecoin became the first “meme coin.”

Kabosu, a cherished Shiba Inu dog, was mostly responsible for the meme’s popularity.

Kabosu has her own Instagram account created by her owner, Atsuko Sato. The pooch recently celebrated its 17th birthday on November 2. The social media account’s photo has garnered more than 55,000 likes.

Kabosu’s stardom in the crypto world drew the attention of Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin, who visited him and Sato in their Tokyo apartment in 2018.

Dogecoin Real-Life Canine Is Sick

The typical lifespan of a Shiba Inu is between 13 and 16 years, which is significantly longer compared to many larger dog breeds.

At 17, Kabosu is an aging dog. According to a tweet shared by Sato, the dog is currently suffering from a serious health condition.

In a translated Tweet, Sato, a Japanese kindergarten teacher, reassured her social media followers that she will be “fine” and that she is “receiving strength from all around the world” from her fans.

doge (kabosu) is sick 🙁 please send her and @kabosumama your and and good vibes ~ pic.twitter.com/8IqnYWFhWN

— Shibetoshi Nakamoto (@BillyM2k) December 26, 2022

In a previous article, Sato stated that Kabosu has been ill since Christmas Eve and has refused to eat or drink. However, she did not provide any other information on the dog’s other health issues.

The Shiba Inu is an indigenous dog breed that originated in Japan and was raised to hunt on mountain trails, thus they are well-equipped to traverse difficult terrain.

Kabosu Gets Outpouring Of Well-Wishers

The news that Kabosu was ill prompted an outpouring of support from followers, particularly Doge meme enthusiasts who were moved by Sato’s tweet.

One Twitter user wishing her well volunteered to cover all costs associated with ensuring the dog has the finest possible care.

“I have nothing but the highest hopes for Kabosu. Wishing for a speedy recovery,” another Twitter user said.

Markus responded to the tweet with his hands folded. In a  Twitter post on December 26, the co-creator of Dogecoin encouraged his 2 million followers to send “love, prayers, and positive energies” to Kabosu and Sato.

Dogecoin: Internet Sensation

Earlier this year, Sato stated on Instagram:

“Never in a million years would I have imagined the impact that my photoshoot of Kabosu would have on the internet.” 

Even though it was designed as a joke, Dogecoin inspired the creation of a whole category of cryptocurrency known as meme coins.

With a market capitalization of over $10,2 billion, DOGE is now the eighth largest cryptocurrency, thanks in part to billionaire Elon Musk.

According to statistics from Coingecko, DOGE is currently trading at $0.0747, a 4.6% increase over the previous seven days.