ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit announced the death of his famous dog, Ben, on Thursday.
In a post on X, Herbstreit said he learned Thursday that Ben’s cancer had spread to his organs, and there were no other options left to save the 10 year-old golden retriever.
“There was nothing left we could do — we had to let him go. I’ve had dogs my whole life but Ben was 1 (of) 1. He was smart-loving-gentle-patient-inquisitive-and welcoming to all. Always a big smile and a soft tail wag. He and I could communicate. ... He and I understood each other and had each others backs. He was with me more than anyone at home and traveling with me for work. Such an easy going companion,” Herbstreit wrote.
Herbstreit admitted it was a hard day but noted his gratitude for Ben and his lasting impact on his life.
“He will live within all of us forever. God please bless his majestic soul and thank you for putting him in my life for the last 10 years-a true blessing. Love you Ben,” he said.
Ben had captured the nation’s attention — and hearts — while accompanying Herbstreit on the set of ESPN’s “College GameDay.”
Since October 2023, the golden retriever traveled with Herbstreit across the country for “GameDay.”
He was even the subject of a recent ESPN article, which featured his best moments and detailed how college football programs and fans have embraced him, including by giving him gifts.
Ben’s declining health
Ben missed Saturday’s “GameDay” in State College, Pennsylvania, and on Monday, Herbstreit revealed why on X.
The 10-year-old golden retriever had been dealing with cancer and had a second chemo injection on Oct. 23, Herbstreit said.
“From that day (Ben) has been getting worse and worse. He has lost use of his back legs-almost like they’re paralyzed. He can barely walk. He hasn’t eaten in 3 days,” he wrote.
This week, Herbstreit and Ben met with a holistic doctor in Pennsylvania, who administered “a 3 day Vitamin C IV hoping it will flush the toxics from his body and give him a chance.”
The ESPN analyst described this experience as “one of the hardest things I’ve gone through in my life.” He then asked for prayers for Ben.
“Ben is my best friend and companion. I love him with all of my heart. If you’re a spiritual person I’d love for you to pray for my boy. He’s currently in an ER hospital overnight and I’m picking him up tomorrow for another round of Vitamin C. Please pray for Ben and hope he pulls out of it,” he wrote.
When was Ben diagnosed with cancer?
Ben was diagnosed with leukemia in March, according to ESPN. He underwent surgery in July to remove cancerous masses on his spleen and intestine.
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer, which are sometimes called “silent killers” due to the difficulty of recognizing the symptoms before the cancer has become advanced in dogs, according to Animal Referral and Emergency Network.
Leukemia is also rare in dogs, only accounting for 10% of all blood cancers in dogs.