Internet Icon Cheems the Shiba Inu Passes Away at 12 After Cancer Battle

The internet is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved canine celebrities. Cheems the Shiba Inu a meme dog sensation, who rose to viral fame through funny memes in recent years, passes away at the age of 12 after battling pancreatic cancer. Cheems’ owner Kathy shared the heartbreaking news on his popular Instagram account on August 18, revealing that he passed away peacefully during surgery earlier that day. She thanked fans for their support and donations over the last few months and announced that the remaining funds will go towards local animal charities.

The Origin of the Viral Cheems Dog Memes

Cheems first broke onto the meme scene in 2019 with the viral ‘Cheems Doge’ meme format. His adorable smushy face was combined with intentionally misspelled words containing extra ‘m’s, like ‘cheemsburbger’. This lovable Shiba Inu went on to become part of the ‘Swole Doge vs Cheems’ trend in 2020. In this format, Cheems represented the old or uncool version of the group being depicted.

Through these silly internet memes, Cheems brought laughter and comfort to many during difficult times like the Covid pandemic. His legacy as a symbol of joy and resilience will certainly live on. As a token of the love we had for Cheems, we illustrated a digital painting of our furry internet sensation:

Cheems the Shiba Inu, our furry friend (Image by Geek Chambers)

Confusion Between Cheems and the Original Doge

The news of Cheems’ passing led to some confusion between him and Kabosu, the Shiba Inu featured in the original Doge meme. Kabosu is alive and well, despite some misreporting. Cheems and Kabosu emerged as viral stars separately, though both as photogenic Shiba Inu. Their adorable faces live on as icons of modern meme culture.

Moving Tributes Across Social Media

As word spread of his death, touching tributes poured in across social media platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and Instagram.

Many shared how Cheems’ uplifting presence helped them through tough times. They thanked the viral meme dog for the joy he brought into their lives.

• “Rest in peace to our round boy Cheems. His memes always cheered me up”- @cheemsfan123
• “Such a good boy who brought happiness to millions”- @dogelover5678
• “Cheems was the best boy. Thank you for the smiles”- @memequeen91

Fans came together to honor Cheems’ memory as an iconic dog who captured so many hearts in the online community. The outpouring of love for this viral celebrity Shiba Inu is a testament to the imprint he left through his meme fame. Though his passing is devastating for many, Cheems’ legacy of bringing cheer lives on. His smushy, meme-able face will be fondly remembered for generations to come.

We’ll miss his sweet smile that warmed our hearts. Cheems was the goodest boy we never deserved but so needed. Though he’s no longer with us physically, Cheems’ uplifting spirit lives on. This fur angel touched countless lives with his tender soul and brought communities together in love.

Rest in snuggles, Cheems.

RIP Cheems pic.twitter.com/30z1Vafph1

— out of context dogs (@contextdogs) August 20, 2023

We offer our thoughts and prayers to Cheems’ family during this difficult time. Though he belonged to the internet, he was first and foremost their beloved furry companion. Our hearts are with them as they grieve the loss of this very good boy.

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