Cheems, the beloved dog who inspired $BONK, was actually named Balltze. A fluffy Shiba Inu with unmistakable charm, he earned the nickname "Cheems" because fans thought his puffy cheeks made him look like a piece of cheese. His owner, Kathy, originally shared his now-famous photo on Instagram with the caption, "Thought I had a shibainu but this is not." That image exploded across the internet in 2019, transforming Balltze into one of the most recognizable memes of the modern era and a symbol of an entire generation of online culture. On August 18, 2023, Balltze peacefully passed away following complications from thoracentesis surgery. Though he's gone, his legacy continues to bring smiles to millions around the world. We pay tribute to Balltze on Solana.