The shiba inu dog from Japan, whose picture became an inspiration for a generation of quirky online jokes and the $23-billion Dogecoin cryptocurrency adored by Elon Musk, passed away on Friday, as confirmed by her owner.

Atsuko Sato wrote on her blog, 'She quietly passed away as if asleep while I caressed her,' expressing gratitude to the fans of her dog, Kabosu, who became the face of the 'Doge' meme.