LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Cheems, a Shiba Inu known for its iconic meme status, died on August 18. The pooch, affectionately referred to as "Balltze," had been battling cancer and died during his final thoracentesis surgery.

In a poignant Instagram post, Cheems' owner shared the heart-wrenching news, revealing that the brave Shiba Inu had died in slumber.

"Ball Ball fell asleep on 18/8. He fell asleep on Friday morning during his last thoracentesis surgery," the post read, accompanied by heartwarming images of the canine companion.

Amid their grief, the family encouraged fans not to dwell in sadness but to remember the joy that Balltze had brought to their lives.

As the world grappled with the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Shiba Inu's spirited presence provided solace and happiness to countless individuals, an impact that will continue to resonate even after his death.

How Cheems went from meme to legend

Cheems' journey from a regular Shiba Inu to an internet sensation was swift and remarkable. The dog's personal website recounts the turning point in 2017 when a simple snapshot led to the inception of his now-iconic meme persona.

Initially noticed for his resemblance to cheese, the pup's unique appearance quickly became the cornerstone of his meme fame.

"On 2017 Sept 4, I was sitting casually just like any other day, laying my back on marble steps and snap snap my mom took my photos and uploaded them online. Instagram user Josh comments about my post: 'I don't know who this guy is but he looks like Cheese,'" the website narrates in first person.

It added, "And that's how the start of my meme fame, later it developed into my meme stage name - Cheems / Cheemsburger, one of my best-known meme appearance is 'Swole Doge vs. Cheems.'"

Who was the owner of Cheems?

The creative force behind Cheems was Kathy, a fashion designer hailing from Kowloon, Hong Kong. Kathy adopted Cheems when he was just a year old, recognizing his undeniable photogenic charm.

Kathy's routine practice of sharing snapshots capturing the dog's daily moods and adorable antics inadvertently led to a phenomenon that transcended the digital realm.

The iconic meme, often employed to convey discomfort or vulnerability in humorous contexts, became an emblem of light-heartedness during challenging times.

Kathy's close bond with Cheems was evident as she spoke about their eight-year journey together. In a 2020 interview with KnowYourMeme, she shared the story of how Cheems became a cherished member of their family.

"Balltze was adopted by us. Eight years ago, my friend's friend wanted to emigrate and leave Hong Kong. He entrusted his friends to ask if anyone was interested in adopting a young Shiba Inu," she recalled to the outlet.

"We were interested, so we went to take a look... My mother didn't really like Balltze at the beginning, but after eight years of getting along, Balltze is already my mother's darling, just like her youngest grandson," she said at the time.

Kathy also delved into the origin of Cheems' distinctive name, reflecting the pup's round and endearing appearance.

"My brother gave Balltze his name," she said, adding, "He likes Ramune from Japan. It's kind of like lemonade, but with other flavors."

"To drink it, you have to push down a small marble from the bottle at the mouth, which creates more soda. But I call him 'Ball Ball' because he is so round and cute," she said.

Cheems' impact on Kathy's life was palpable, as she described how their interactions had evolved from casual snapshots to a full-fledged dialogue with fans around the world.

Moreover, his growing fame also led to professional opportunities, including collaborations with media management and figures companies.

"In addition to my full-time work, my part-time job is like Balltze's customer service hotline, which provides Balltze dialogues for his fans around the world every day," Kathy gushed at the time.

Cheems' lasting legacy

As the news of Cheems' death reverberates through the internet, it is evident that his influence extended far beyond the boundaries of a meme.

His infectious joy and lighthearted spirit touched lives across the globe, providing comfort and smiles during times of uncertainty.

The legacy of Cheems, a beloved companion who transitioned from a mischievous pup to a global beacon of positivity, will definitely continue to warm hearts and evoke fond memories for years to come.