Kirk Herbstreit announces the death of his dog Ben in an emotional post

by Junna Base November 9, 2024

ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit has announced that his dog Ben has died.

“This is really hard to write, but so many of you loved and cared about Ben that I wanted to let you know,” Herbstreit shared on social media on November 7. “We found out today that the cancer had spread to Ben’s organs. There was nothing more we could do – we had to let him go.”

“He was smart, loving, gentle, patient, curious and hospitable to all,” Herbstreit continued. “Always a big smile and a gentle wag of the tail. He and I were able to communicate. He and I got along and supported each other.”

The ESPN analyst expressed gratitude for his furry companion, who has stood by him over the past decade.

“Such an easygoing companion,” he wrote. “Tough day – but it will live in all of us forever. God, please bless his majestic soul and thank you for letting him into my life these last 10 years – a true blessing.”

The announcement came a few days after Herbstreit shared that his service dog’s health was “deteriorating” after he underwent a second chemotherapy injection.

“He can no longer move his hind legs – almost as if they were paralyzed. He can barely walk. “He hasn’t eaten in three days,” he shared in a Nov. 4 post. “I am currently in Pennsylvania seeing a holistic doctor who is giving him IV vitamin C for three days in the hopes that it will flush out the toxins from his body and give him a chance. The next 24 to 48 hours will tell us whether he has a chance or not.”

Herbstreit also thanked the fans for the golden retriever’s health problems.

“I am so grateful for ALL the love that so many have shown him over the last few years. One of the hardest things I’ve been through in my life,” he wrote.

“Ben is my best friend and companion. “I love him with all my heart,” he continued. “If you are a spiritual person, I would love for you to pray for my boy.” 🙏🏼 He is currently in the ER overnight and I am picking him up tomorrow for another round of Vitamin C. Please pray for Ben and hope he gets through this.”

Ben became a star in his own right alongside Herbstreit, who travels across the country for ESPN’s “College GameDay,” announcing college football games and “Thursday Night Football” on Prime Video. In 2023, Herbstreit revealed that Ben, who travels with him, had become a certified emotional support animal.

According to USA Today, Ben began accompanying Herbstreit on road trips in 2023 and quickly became a sensation.

In a TikTok clip that ESPN posted in January, Herbstreit said of Ben, “I just wanted to have a companion on the road no matter how much I travel, and he’s my really good buddy.”

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