A wave of sorrow and sadness swept across the internet last Friday as the news of the sudden demise of the viral meme sensation, Cheems, broke hearts worldwide. The Shiba Inu dog, which had captured the internet's affection and turned into a meme icon, passed away at the age of 12 during a thoracentesis surgery.

Cheems, the celebrity dog of Shiba Inu breed, had taken the internet by storm, gaining widespread popularity and recognition for his endearing appearance and charming expressions. He had become a beloved figure known for bringing smiles and laughter to countless people across the globe.

Tragically, Cheems' health took a turn for the worse, leading to the need for thoracentesis surgery. The surgery was meant to be a stepping stone toward chemotherapy and other treatments, but fate had a different plan. The dog passed away during the surgery, as revealed in a heartfelt Instagram post shared on his official account by his owner.

"He fell asleep on Friday morning during his last thoracentesis surgery. Originally, we wanted to arrange chemotherapy or other possible treatment for him after this operation, but it's too late," the owner expressed in the post.

Despite the somber news, Cheems' owner urged fans not to dwell in sadness, but rather to cherish the joy that the beloved dog had brought into their lives. The Shiba Inu's iconic smiling face became a source of comfort and delight for many, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic.

"Don't be sad, please remember the joy that Balltze brought to the world. A Shiba Inu with a round smiling face connecting 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 has completed," the owner's message continued.

Cheems, also affectionately known as Pup Balltze, rose to fame in the mid-2010s when his endearing photo went viral. His image became synonymous with expressing discomfort or vulnerability in various situations, making him an iconic figure in the meme world.

The owner, who goes by the name Kathy, raised Cheems in Hong Kong, adopting him at the age of 1. The dog's Instagram account was created in 2015, and it soon became a platform to share Cheems' daily mood pictures with an adoring online community.

Beyond his meme status, Cheems was known for his love of cheeseburgers, a trait that earned him his charming moniker. As the meme market expanded on social media, so did Cheems' fame. His demise prompted an outpouring of heartfelt tributes and messages from fans who had come to adore him over the years.

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