Cheem’s death at age 12: Meme dog falls asleep during cancer surgery and never wakes up – while internet pays homage to beloved Shiba Inu
- The sweet Shiba Inu, also known as Cheemsburger and for his love of cheeseburgers, died Friday during a surgical procedure
- The owners said their beloved Cheemsburger ‘never woke up’
- Cheems rose to fame in 2017 after a funny photo went viral and inspired a meme
Cheems has died aged 12 after falling asleep during cancer surgery, his owner has revealed.
The beloved meme dog did not wake up Friday afternoon during the procedure, according to his Instagram page.
The internet erupted in heartbreaking tributes to the adorable shiba inu, with some making memes of him entering heaven.
Cheems, who lived in Hong Kong, skyrocketed to online stardom when a picture of him was posted in 2017 with a questioning look on his face.
Cheemsburger, the beloved Shiba Inu, died Friday during a surgical procedure, his owners said. He was 12
A picture of Cheems with his angel wings and a halo around his head. His owners wrote: ‘I believe he is free-floating and having lots of good food with his new friends’
Cheems owners wrote on Instagram on Friday, “Ball Ball fell asleep on 18/8. He fell asleep Friday morning during his last thoracentesis surgery.
“Originally we wanted to arrange chemotherapy or any other possible treatment for him after this surgery, but now it is too late.
“Don’t be sad, please remember the joy 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 much joy to many of you, but now his mission is complete.
“I believe he’s free-roaming in the air eating lots of goodies with his new friends.
“He will always remain in my heart. I hope he can continue to make everyone in the online world happy, that’s my only humble request.’
A smiling Cheems was also called Ball Ball by those who adored the sweet little dog
His owners also paid tribute to the medical staff who have cared for him for the past six months as he battled cancer.
They added: ‘Everything of you have been very generous and helpful, and I am truly grateful to all of you, your love and support of Ball Ball is so unconditional and I discovered that this is the purest love in the world, having Ball Ball in my life is the best thing ever has happened.’
They now plan to donate the donations sent for Cheems care and the brass pin money raised for the medical bills to local animal charities.
The post received more than 540,000 likes from around the world, with many fans of the smiling dog sending condolences and messages of love to the Cheems family.
“Thanks for all your love. Thank you Bal. We love you,” one wrote.
A heartfelt post featuring a photo of Cheems playing the guitar
A photo of Cheems giving love and hugs with the caption, “Fella Hug!”
Cheems was featured in a post surrounded by other legends who have passed, including the late musician David Bowie, actor Robin Williams, Princess Diana, boxer Muhammad Ali
Another said: ‘Ball was very happy in life and had a beautiful family. We will remember him with that smiling face. He is already resting and I hope he runs everywhere in that place. Sending you a hug, I can understand your feelings exactly.’
Some even shared how Cheems kept them through the dark days of the Covid-19 pandemic. One mourner wrote, “Rip cheems, but in all seriousness, cheems actually kept me busy and genuinely happy through most of the quarantine.”
They added: ‘I never thought I’d say I shed a tear over the passing of a dog I’ve never met, but cheese was really special. I’ll miss him very much, but I’m glad he’s at peace now.’