Kirk Herbstreit Shares Heartbreaking News His Dog, Ben, Crossed The Rainbow Bridge: “Thank You For Putting Him In My Life For The Last 10 Years”

Mary Claire Crabtree·
CULTURE
·
Kirk Herbstreit
Kirk Herbstreit

This one hurts.

College fans everywhere eagerly turned on College GameDay each football season to see its shining star—not Pat McAfee or Nick Saban, but Kirk Herbstreit’s adorable golden retriever, Ben.

The perfectly groomed, certified good boy captured the nation’s heart. Each week, Kirk Herbstreit traveled with Ben from college town to college town, making folks smile and bringing a new dynamic to the sports broadcast.

Ben was not making as many appearances this year as in previous years, as Herbstreit informed fans that he was battling an illness. However, the “Chief Happiness Officer,” as named by the Rose Bowl, has still made many appearances throughout this football season thus far. However, after a recent update, Herbstreit asked fans to pray for the beloved dog as he faced complications from his chemo treatment.

“I’ve had so many people asking me about Ben that I wanted to let you know-Ben had a 2nd chemo injection on October 23rd and from that day 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. 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.

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

While fans shared the post and sent Herbstreit and his family words of encouragement and prayers, his next update regarding Ben was one no one wanted to hear. 

Ben crossed the rainbow bridge.

“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 Ben’s organs, and there was nothing left we could do- we had to let him go.

I’ve had dogs my whole life but Ben was 1 on 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 other’s backs. He was with me more than anyone at home and traveling with me for work—such an easygoing 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.”

If you have a soft spot for dogs of all kinds, like I do, then you have more than a few tears streaming down your face right now.

Ben was the oldest of Herbstreit’s four dogs, but as he said, Ben was unlike the others. Herbstreit shared how special he was with the nation, and viewers from all over saw just a piece of what Herbstreit was and fell in love with him. Ben was a heart dog, and will never be forgotten. 

All dogs go to Heaven, and Ben is now playing in a wide-open field. Rest easy, good boy.

Check out some social media posts mourning the loss of this sweet dog.

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