Home

/

News & Stories

/

Pet News

Goodbye to Ben: College Football’s Beloved Golden Retriever

author

Rithani

Follow

5 min read

09 Nov, 2024

1 Like

Stories-img

ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit shared heartbreaking news about his golden retriever, Ben, who passed away after a long battle with illness.


Known and adored by college football fans, Ben had gained fame attending games alongside Herbstreit, capturing hearts with his cheerful presence on the sidelines.


For the past three weeks, Herbstreit had been updating fans on Ben’s health as the 10-year-old golden retriever received treatment for leukemia.


Despite the outpouring of support and well-wishes, doctors recently informed Herbstreit that the cancer had spread throughout Ben's organs, leaving no options for further intervention.



In an emotional social media post, Herbstreit revealed that the family had to make the difficult decision to let Ben go.


Herbstreit, who has owned several dogs, describes Ben as uniquely special, praising his intelligence, gentleness, and warmth.


Ben was the eldest among Herbstreit’s four golden retrievers and, in Herbstreit’s words, a true family member, making this loss “one of the hardest things I’ve gone through in my life.”


Ben’s legacy reached beyond his family, inspiring fans and fellow sports personalities.


Tributes flooded social media, with messages of sympathy and admiration from the sports world.



Fans shared memories of Ben, affectionately referring to him as “The GOAT of Dogs.”


Others remembered him as a legend who brought happiness to countless people, with one supporter saying,


“Dogs are family. Dogs are best friends. America will remember Ben as a legend.”



Ben had attended many college football games, and his last appearance was at the Texas A&M vs. LSU game on October 26.


He was scheduled to join Herbstreit for Ohio State's game against Penn State, but his health prevented him from making the trip.


Ben had become a beloved figure in the college football community, even earning credentials as the “Chief Happiness Officer” for the 2024 Rose Bowl.


Herbstreit’s tribute highlights the bond that pet lovers everywhere share with their animals, and Ben's passing has left a void for those who grew to love him from afar.

Must readPet Stories
Pet-A-Thon 2024: Day of Fun, Pets, & Community in Bengaluru
PET EVENTS

STORIES

Pet-A-Thon 2024: Day of Fun, Pets, & Community in Bengaluru

11 Nov 2024

Paws and Play: 20 Coldplay-Inspired Dog Names for Your Furry Rockstar

Paws and Play: 20 Coldplay-Inspired Dog Names for Your Furry Rockstar

23 Sep 2024

Pandikona Hunting Dog: Discover the Unique Native Indian Breed and Its Legacy
DOGS

STORIES

Pandikona Hunting Dog: Discover the Unique Native Indian Breed and Its Legacy

01 Aug 2024

Exploring the Mysteries of the Deep Sea: 9 Fascinating Deep-Sea Creatures
FISH

STORIES

Exploring the Mysteries of the Deep Sea: 9 Fascinating Deep-Sea Creatures

08 Jul 2024

For your daily dose of happiness, follow us on

vectorvectorvector

Stay updated with the pet industry

Subscribe Now

Download our pet-parent app

dog
dog

© Excitado Innovations Pvt Ltd