Kirk Herbstreit’s beloved golden retriever, Ben, has passed away, the football analyst shared on social media.
Over the last few weeks, Herbstreit has shared health updates on his 10-year-old dog, with many wishing him well as he underwent leukemia treatments.
Then came Thursday’s devastating news that the cancer had spread throughout Ben’s body and there was nothing doctors could do to save him.
‘This is really hard to write but so many of you have loved and cared about Ben that I wanted to let you know. We found out today the cancer had spread throughout Bens organs and there was nothing left we could do-we had to let him go,’ Herbstreit shared on social media.
‘I’ve had dogs my whole life but Ben was 1 on 1. He was smart-loving-gentle-patient-inquisitive-and welcoming to all.’
Kirk Herbstreit shared the devastating news of the passing of his beloved golden retriever, Ben
Ben had accompanied Kirk on dozens of road trips to cover football games around the country
‘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. Hard day-but 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.’
Tributes from many parts of the football world came immediately through social media, including one account calling Ben ‘The Goat of Dogs.’
Ben’s most-recent trip to a college football game his dad was assigned to was Texas A&M against LSU on October 26.
The golden with a recognizable smile was expected to appear while Herbstreit made the trip to State College, Pennsylvania for Ohio State-Penn State last weekend, but he did not appear due to his worsening condition.
Ben, 10, has been battling leukemia since March, according to Herbstreit.
During Ben’s most recent football trip, he was reunited with Reveille, the live mascot for Texas A&M.
