Scientists Aim to Revive Internet's Most Beloved Dog Through Genetic Cloning.

One year ago, the internet mourned the passing of Kabosu—the Shiba Inu better known as Doge—who captured global attention with her signature side-eye, comic sans captions, and an entire cryptocurrency named in her honor. On May 24, 2024, Kabosu died peacefully at age 18. But now, almost exactly a year later, a new chapter begins as Colossal Biosciences starts a new project named Project Doge Genesis.

In a move that sounds more like science fiction than science fact, Colossal Biosciences, the biotech company best known for their work on woolly mammoth de-extinction, has announced their next target: Doge.

Yes, that Doge.

“We’ve revived genes from Ice Age creatures,” said Colossal CEO Ben Lamm in a statement. “Now we’re exploring how our genomic reconstruction technology can preserve, and potentially resurrect, modern cultural icons.”

According to Colossal, the project—code-named Project Doge Genesis—is a gene-editing initiative aimed at creating a living replica of Kabosu using preserved DNA samples and stem cell cloning techniques. The goal? To produce a Shiba Inu with a nearly identical genetic profile and visual features as the original Doge.

The Meme That Became a Movement

Doge wasn’t just a dog—she was a global phenomenon. Her meme-worthy expressions became the face of DogeCoin, a cryptocurrency that launched as a joke but ended up with a market cap in the billions. Elon Musk posted her. Reddit worshipped her. She appeared in art galleries, Super Bowl commercials, and NFT auctions.

But behind the icon was a real dog. Kabosu was rescued from a puppy mill and adopted in 2008 by Japanese kindergarten teacher Atsuko Sato, who regularly posted pictures of her quirky, gentle Shiba online. One of those photos—taken in 2010—became the face that launched a thousand memes.

When she passed away last year, tributes flooded social media. Murals were painted. Coins were minted. Dog parks held vigils.

And now, one biotech firm wants to bring her back.

The Science Behind the Shibe

Colossal isn’t starting from scratch. They claim to have received preserved DNA samples from Kabosu’s veterinary clinic in Japan, including hair follicles and blood drawn during routine exams. From these, they hope to extract viable nuclei for use in a cloning process similar to that which produced Dolly the Sheep in 1996.

“Technically, this is easier than reviving extinct species,” said Dr. Mei Tanaka, a genomic engineer at the University of Tokyo. “The DNA is fresh, the host species still exists, and behavioral traits are well documented. But ethically... it’s murkier.”

Using gene editing tools like CRISPR, Colossal says they plan to correct for age-related degradation in the sample and create an embryo that will be carried by a surrogate Shiba Inu. If successful, the dog could be born as early as late 2026.

Cloning Culture

Critics are already raising eyebrows at the project. Animal welfare groups worry that focusing on cloning pets veers dangerously close to commodifying life. Others are concerned about the emotional and psychological implications of creating a “replacement” for a beloved dog.

“This is about more than science,” said crypto influencer @DogeGuru69. “It’s about legacy. It’s about meme history. And it’s about never letting go of what brought us joy.”

What Happens Next?

Colossal says their focus will remain on transparency, publishing their research in peer-reviewed journals and adhering to international cloning laws. If the first Doge clone is successfully born and healthy, the company may explore further applications—perhaps cloning endangered breeds, or preserving unique animal genetics for conservation.

But for now, one thing is clear:

The internet’s most famous dog might just make a comeback.

And in a world where we resurrect mammoths and digitize memories, perhaps it's only fitting that Doge—queen of the internet—gets a second life too.