Famous dog Meme Cheems dead at 12 after battle with cancer

Cheemsone of the most famous dogs on the internet, has died after a battle with cancer.

The dog in the viral meme died during surgery on Friday … according to his owners, who say he fell asleep during surgery and never woke up.

Cheems rose to fame in 2017 when an awkward photo of him went viral…sparking a meme that’s still shared to this day.

Also known as Pup Balltze or simply Balltze, the shiba inu was famous for his love of cheeseburgers… and has his own meme character, Cheemsburger.

The puppy’s owners say… “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, has helped many people during pandemic and has brought much joy to many of you, but now its mission has been fulfilled.”

Cheem’s family believe he is in a better place now… “running freely in the sky and eating really delicious food with his new friends.”

Naturally, Cheems is getting a big send-up on social media… with the meme being posted all over the place.

Cheem was 12 years old.