ESPN anchor Kirk Herbstreit’s service dog, Ben, has died: NPR

ESPN anchor Kirk Herbstreit announced the death of his dog Ben, a golden retriever who won the hearts of football fans while appearing alongside ESPN announcers.

“This is really hard to write, but so many of you loved and cared about Ben that I wanted to let you know,” Herbstreit wrote on X on Thursday. “We found out today that the cancer is in Ben’s “We could do it – we had to let him go.”

Herbstreit told fans earlier this year that 10-year-old Ben had been diagnosed with leukemia, which required chemotherapy and major surgery. In September, Herbstreit said Ben had made an “incredible recovery” and was able to travel with him again College game day Chief Analyst.

But on Monday, Herbstreit told his supporters that Ben, who is a certified emotional support animal, had fallen ill again.

“Ben had a second chemo injection on October 23rd and from that day on he got worse,” he wrote on X. “He can no longer move his back legs – almost as if they were paralyzed.” He can barely run. He hasn’t eaten in three days.”

Herbstreit said at the time that he and Ben were in Pennsylvania receiving treatment from a holistic doctor who used vitamin C to treat the pup.

“I’ve had dogs all my life, but Ben was one on one,” Herbstreit wrote in tribute to Ben. “Always a big smile and a gentle wag of the tail. He and I were able to communicate…he and I understood each other and supported each other. He was at home with me more than anyone else and traveled with me to work. Such an uncomplicated companion. Tough day – but it will live in all of us forever.”

During his time as a volunteer sports analyst, Ben acquired appropriate titles ranging from “Chief Happiness Officer of Football” to “Treat Analyst.”

On Herbstreit’s social media pages, Ben’s fans paid tribute to the dog and praised Herbstreit for returning to work despite his grief.

“We love you, Kirk,” one person wrote in an Instagram post that shows a tail-wagging Ben excitedly running through a hotel. “This man calls a game on the day his dog dies. He loves football, but more importantly, he loved Ben. This dog was truly unique.”