On August 18, 2023, the internet collectively shed a tear for a dear friend it had never met in person but had grown to love dearly – the Shiba Inu extraordinaire, Cheems.
Also known as Balltze in his everyday life, this beloved pup, unfortunately, passed away at age 12 after his battle with cancer and a final thoracentesis surgery.
Though he’s no longer with us, his legacy as the unofficial poster boy of Shib lives on, and we want to say a heartfelt thank you.
Cheems’ incredible journey to stardom began in 2017 when his owner, Kathy, from the vibrant city of Hong Kong, shared pictures of him casually lounging on some elegant marble steps.
What started as a simple photo quickly became the stuff of internet legend when someone humorously compared his appearance to “cheese,” giving birth to the iconic moniker “Cheems.” From that moment on, Cheems, with his endearing round face, became a meme sensation.
But he wasn’t just any meme. As the world faced the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, his memes brought joy and humor to millions around the globe, offering a much-needed escape from the grim realities of the world.
Cheems played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of Shib. Without this Shiba Inu’s smiling face, Shib might not have the global recognition it enjoys today. His friendly and familiar face instantly connected people with us, making it a recognizable and inviting platform for cryptocurrency enthusiasts worldwide.
As we bid farewell to our dear Cheems, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the joy, laughter, and comfort he brought into our lives.
So, thank you, Cheems, for being our friend, our source of happiness, and our identifier for Shiba Inu around the globe. Your impact on the internet world and the Shib community will forever be cherished, and you’ll always have a special place in our hearts.
In loving memory of Cheems, forever in our memes and hearts.
