The world-famous internet meme dog Cheems has died aged 12, it has been revealed.
The pup that broke the internet, whose real name is Balltze, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a few months ago.
He’s sadly now died aged 12, but his owners have asked for fans to remember the joy he brought.
Cheems and his unimpressed expression went viral in the early 2010s, as his Instagram following grew to immense heights.
The awkward picture went on to be used by millions online for anything expressing discomfort.
Cheems’ owners announced: ‘Ball Ball fell asleep on 18/8. He fell asleep on Friday morning during his last thoracentesis surgery.
‘Originally, we wanted to arrange chemotherapy or other possible treatment for him after his operation, but it is too late.’
The statement went on: Please 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.
‘I believe he is running freely in the sky and having a lot of delicious food with his new friends.
‘He will always be inside my heart. I hope he can continue to bring joy to everyone in the online world, that’s my only humble request.’
The owners’ statement concluded: ‘All of you have been very generous and helpful, and 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 ever happened.’
Fans have begun paying tribute on social media, with one writing: ‘RIP Cheems, thank you for making our lives better.’
Another said: ‘He was my main source of happiness, Cheems gone to heaven You’ll be missed king.’
