Beloved Internet Dog "Shiba Inu MARU" Passes Away at Age 16; Fans Mourn and Thank Him for the Joy He Brought

For those who follow the world of animal influencers, the name "Shiba Inu Maru" is likely familiar. With over two million followers on Instagram, Maru was a standout star in the Shiba Inu community. Sadly, on January 9th, Maru's owner announced on Instagram that Maru had passed away the previous day, leaving many fans and netizens heartbroken. This news propelled "Shiba Inu Maru-chan" to trending status on social media, with an outpouring of tweets filled with mourning and gratitude.

Maru's journey began after the devastating 3.11 earthquake in Japan, when Maru's owner felt inspired to share adorable photos to uplift others. An Instagram account was created where daily pictures of Maru were shared, quickly capturing the hearts of online users. Maru's charming and vibrant smile made him a beloved figure, embodying a joyful spirit that brought happiness to many. His popularity even led to published books and merchandise, establishing him as a true internet celebrity among Shiba Inus.

Despite being over 16 years old and facing health challenges in recent times, Maru maintained his cheerful demeanor up until the end. In the announcement about his passing, his owner expressed hope that fans would not feel sad for him, believing that Maru would be happy in another world. The owner also expressed gratitude for the support from fans over the years; since launching the account over a decade ago, Maru had created countless memories and friendships.

Beyond Instagram, many users on X (formerly Twitter) shared their appreciation for the joy Maru brought into their lives. Wherever Maru appeared, smiles followed. As such a popular animal influencer, it is poignant to say goodbye, but there is hope that he will continue to shine brightly in another realm.

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A post shared by Shinjiro Ono (@marutaro)