ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit shares service dog Ben has died in emotional tribute

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 have loved and cared about Ben that I wanted to let you know," Herbstreit shared on social media on Nov. 7. "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."

"He was smart-loving-gentle-patient-inquisitive-and welcoming to all," Herbstreit continued. "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."

The ESPN analyst showed his appreciation for his furry companion, who had been by his side over the last decade.

"Such an easy going companion," he penned. "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."

The announcement comes a few days after Herbstreit shared that his service dog's health was getting "worse and worse" after he underwent a second chemotherapy injection.

“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 shared in a Nov. 4 post. "I’m currently in Pennsylvania with a holistic Dr who is administering a 3 day Vitamin C IV hoping it will flush the toxics from his body and give him a chance. The next 24-48 hours will tell us if he has a chance or not."

Herbstreit also expressed his gratitude to the fans as he endured the golden retriever’s health issues.

“I’m so thankful for ALL the love so many have shown him over the last couple years. One of the hardest things I’ve gone through in my life,” he wrote.

“Ben is my best friend and companion. I love him with all of my heart," he continued. "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.”

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

Ben started joining Herbstreit on road trips in 2023, per USA Today, and quickly became a sensation.

In a TikTok clip shared by ESPN in January, Herbstreit shared of Ben, “I just wanted a companion out on the road with me, as much as I travel, and he’s my really good buddy."

This article was originally published on TODAY.com