Shiba Inu Who Became Viral ‘Cheems’ Doge Meme Died After Cancer Battle

• The iconic dog behind the “Cheems” meme died at age 12. 
• Balltze had been undergoing cancer treatment, his owner said on Instagram. 
• Balltze was famous enough to have merchandise with his face on it and a cryptocurrency coin named after him.

A pup behind the beloved, viral “doge” meme has died, his owner announced on social media. 

Balltze’s memory, and his “Cheems” meme, will live on in the immortality of the Internet. The meme of Balltze – who was sometimes called by his nickname, Ball Ball – featured him with a goofy, knowing smile on his face. 

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At 12 years old, the dog died on August 18 after a cancer fight, his owner said on Instagram. 

“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,” his owner wrote, telling followers to “remember the joy that Balltze brought to the world.” 

His owner first announced that he likely had cancer in a post in July, saying she was struggling to “accept it myself.” 

“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,” the tribute to Ball Ball read. “I believe he is running freely in the sky and having a lot of delicious food with his new friends. He will always be inside my heart.”

In some of his memes, Balltze was known for loving “cheemsburger,” while in others, he held a baseball bat to “BONK” people on the head with. 

He even had his own website where people could buy enamel pins, sweatshirts, and tote bags featuring the dog’s face. He eventually became a cryptocurrency token. 

Balltze’s owner said that donations made for his medical bills will be donated to local animal charities.