Beloved viral meme sensation Cheems, a Shiba Inu also known as Pup Balltze, has tragically passed away at the age of 12 after a battle with cancer. Cheems, who rose to fame as the face of numerous viral memes, succumbed to the disease during a surgical procedure. The news of Cheems’ passing was shared by his owner on social media platforms, where fans and followers mourned the loss of the iconic dog who had brought joy to people worldwide.
Who was Dog Cheems
Cheems captured the internet with his stunning appearance and funny expressions. His popularity increased in 2017 when a strange photo of him went viral, becoming the foundation for countless memes that humorously reflected various relatable situations. The charming Shiba Inu’s meme legacy thrived, earning him different nicknames like “Cheemsburger” due to his association with cheeseburgers.
The surgical procedure where Cheems fell asleep and didn’t wake up was a final thoracentesis surgery aimed at providing relief to his cancer condition. Despite his passing, his owners emphasized the importance of remembering the joy he brought into people’s lives. The owner believes that he’s now in a better place.
Social Media Reactions
Social media platforms were inundated with tributes, memorial posts, and messages of grief as fans and followers shared their fondest memories of Cheems. Many expressed their gratitude for the happiness he had brought, especially during challenging times, including the global pandemic.
RIP Cheems 💔 pic.twitter.com/A1o9Vd2dg4
— カーシック (@weirder__) August 19, 2023
Cheems’ influence extended beyond just internet culture. He inspired an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) collection, and he was even associated with Dogecoin-related memes, highlighting his lasting impact on popular culture.
RIP to the dog behind the “Cheems” meme. pic.twitter.com/cIbJlal1Pf
— ALX 🇺🇸 (@alx) August 19, 2023
In the wake of Cheems’ passing, many users offered their condolences, highlighting his role as a pioneer in the world of internet memes. His owner expressed their intention to donate collected funds to local animal charities, further cementing Cheems’ legacy as a dog who brought joy not only to screens but also to the lives of those in need.
RIP Cheems, thanks for the memes! pic.twitter.com/ZOoLBcggS1
— Everything Out Of Context (@EverythingOOC) August 19, 2023
As fans continue to mourn the loss of this beloved viral icon, Cheems’ memory lives on through the countless memes and joyful moments he shared with the world.