When Japanese kindergarten teacher Atsuko Sato rescued her Shiba Inu, Kabosu, from a puppy mill bust several years ago, she never imagined that the dog would rise to internet stardom. In fact, she had nothing to do with it. Sato posted pictures of Kabosu and her cats on her blog, which she has dedicated to raising awareness about theĀ terrible reality of puppy mills. She was shocked to see her photos of Kabosu become the face of "Doge," an internet phenomenon centered around silly photos of dogs.
For those who are well-versed in the realm of internet trends, you will likely recognize Sato's photos scattered around the web. The pictures generally include a Shiba Inu with phrases written from the perspective of a dog's inner monologue and are usually written in colorful Comic Sans font. Sato and Kabosu are well-known figures throughout Japan, but their photos are recognized and adored around the world.
Shiba Inu traits
While Kabosu is a sweet and friendly Shiba Inu, the breed is not for everyone. Shibas are known for being somewhat aloof and highly independent. While they may look like cute and cuddly teddy bears, anyone interested in the breed should do their research before deciding to purchase or adopt one.
Sato plans to use this unexpected fame and popularity to educate the public about puppy mills and to encourage people to adopt a dog from a shelter. After all, Sato's decision to adopt Kabosu was life-changing for both her and her four-legged friend. After all, surely there are others whose decision to adopt will change their lives in ways they never imagined possible.