Internet Mourns as Cheems, Viral Meme Dog, Passes Away After Cancer Battle

Cheems, the beloved Shiba Inu dog who became a viral meme sensation, passed away at 12 after battling cancer. His owners shared the news of his death in an emotional Instagram post. Cheems, also known as Balltze, peacefully fell asleep during surgery and did not wake up. Although his owners intended to pursue further treatment for him, it was too late.

Cheems rose to internet fame in 2017 when his pictures captured users’ hearts online. His resemblance to cheese quickly caught attention, earning him the endearing meme nickname “Cheems.” He became particularly famous as a character in the “Swole Doge vs. Cheems” meme. Residing in Hong Kong, Cheems brought joy to many as his owner, Kathy, showcased his photogenic charm.

 

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A post shared by Cheems_Balltze (@balltze)

While Cheems’s physical presence is no longer with us, his impact on the online world remains. Kathy’s heartfelt message expressed a desire for people to remember the happiness he brought and to continue sharing that joy. The passing of this beloved meme dog has triggered an outpouring of grief on social media, with users expressing their condolences and sharing memories of the smiling Shiba Inu who touched their lives.