TOKYO, JAPAN: Cheems, the viral dog of the Shiba Inu breed, who became an internet sensation and a meme icon, has tragically breathed his last on Friday, August 18, at the age of 12, his owners confirmed on social media.

The pooch, whose real name was Balltze, struggled with pancreatic cancer and was struggling with health-related issues during the last six months.

His owners told his thousands of followers not to be sad and requested them to remember the happiness and smile Cheems has brought to many faces over the past several years.

How did Cheems die?

Cheems, who was battling pancreatic cancer, died while undergoing a surgery, his owner said. On the Instagram post, the owners captioned, "Ball Ball fell asleep on 8/18. He fell asleep Friday morning during his last thoracentesis surgery," read the message announcing his passing, Marca reports.

"Originally, we wanted to arrange chemotherapy or other possible treatment for him after this surgery, but now it's too late." The post continued, "Don't be sad, remember the joy that Balltze brought to the world. A Shiba Inu with a round smiling face that connects 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 is complete."

"I believe he runs freely through the sky and enjoys a delicious meal with his new friends. He will always be in my heart. I hope he can continue to bring joy to everyone in the online world, that is my only humble request." they noted. The devastated owners also expressed gratitude to the doctors and medical staff who supported the little dog during his illness for the past six months.

Funds raised for Cheems will be used to support other animals

Due to Cheem's illness, products with the image of the famous dog were sold through his website to raise funds for his costly treatments and now the money will be donated to animal welfare organizations following his unfortunate demise.

His owner thanked the followers for their support and generosity and reported that "the donation money and brass pins I have collected for medical bills will now be donated to local animal charities. Thank you all, thank you, Balltze knows how much he was loved by all of you."

Why was Balltze known as Cheems?

Cheems was skyrocketed to popularity in the mid-2010s when a rather comical photo of him went viral. The dog was known for his love for cheeseburgers and that is how he came to be known as "Cheems", a distorted pronunciation of 'cheeseburger'.

The now deceased canine's fame only grew as the years went by, with an awkward photo of the dog becoming a legendary meme, used to express discomfort or weakness in particular situations.

Social media users pay tribute to the late dog

Cheems' demise triggered a wave of responses on the Internet, with one user tweeting, "Feeling like a personal loss. Thank you for making us laugh." Another fan tweeted, "RIP , sad news for every dog lover and memers." "Rip to a LEGEND" tweeted one user while another said, "This is the saddest news since the start of the year You'll be missed Rest in doge heaven."

"He is now walking on the rainbow bridge to the heaven RIP", wrote another fan.