Cheems, the dog that inspired one of the most famous memes on the internet, passed away after not waking up following a surgical procedure to treat cancer.
According to an Instagram post from the dog's owner, Cheems passed away on Friday. Although there were plans for further surgery, it was deemed "too late" to proceed. Cheems, also known by the name Balltze, was just 12 years old.
"Don't be sad, please remember the joy that Balltze brought to the world," the owner wrote. "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 post continued, "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. I hope he can continue to bring joy to everyone in the online world, that's my only humble request."
The owner also stated all the donations and brass pins sent by fans to cover Balltze's medical bills will be donated to local animal charities in honor of the late pup.
"All of you have been very generous and helpful, and I'm truly grateful to all of you, your love and support to Ball Ball is so unconditional and I found that is the purest love in the world, having Ball Ball in my life is the best thing ever happened," Balltze's owner added.
Cheems became famous in 2017 when a photo of him went viral and birthed a meme still in use today. Fans on social media have been paying tribute to Cheems by sharing the famous meme that made him a beloved animal. Check some of the tributes below.
