The internet community is mourning the loss of a beloved figure as the iconic meme dog “Cheems Balltze,” known for his infectious smile and love for cheeseburgers, has sadly passed away at the age of twelve due to a battle with cancer.
Cheems, a 12-year-old Shiba Inu affectionately called “Ball Ball,” had captured the hearts of people worldwide through his endearing expressions and playful personality. However, his journey was cut short when he underwent a thoracentesis surgery as part of his cancer treatment. Tragically, Cheems did not wake up after the procedure, leaving his fans devastated.
The news was shared by his owner Kathy on Instagram, where she expressed her grief and gratitude for the outpouring of support from Cheems’ admirers. Kathy had been documenting Cheems’ life on the social media platform for the past two years, allowing followers to witness the joys and challenges he experienced.
Cheems’ rise to fame began in 2017 when an Instagram user playfully commented that he “looks like Cheese.” This amusing observation sparked the moniker “Cheems” or “Cheemsburger,” which became synonymous with his joyful presence. He also became famous as the subject of the meme “Swole Doge vs. Cheems,” a humorous depiction of a muscular dog alongside a more modest counterpart.
While Cheems’ physical journey has come to an end, his impact on the internet community remains ever-present. Kathy shared her belief that Cheems’ mission of spreading happiness and joy has been accomplished. In a poignant Instagram post, she expressed her gratitude, saying, “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 that ever happened.”
As fans mourn Cheems’ passing, they remember the countless smiles he brought and the connections he forged in the virtual world. His legacy lives on in the laughter and warmth he shared with those who were fortunate enough to experience his charm.
