ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit has shared a crushing update about the health of his dog, Ben.
“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 wrote Nov. 4 on both Instagram and X.
“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.”
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Herbstreit also expressed his gratitude to the fans as he endures 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.”
@nflonprime The most interesting dog in football 🐾 @Kirk Herbstreit ♬ original sound – NFL on Prime Video
Ben has become a star in his own right as Herbstreit 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’s started joining Herbstreit on road trips in 2023, per USA Today, and has become a sensation since then.
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“I just wanted a companion out on the road with me, as much as I travel, and he’s my really good buddy,” Herbstreit said in January.
Herbstreit also said taking Ben with him while he’s ill is actually helpful
“Some people say ‘He’s sick, why do you take him on the road?’ It’s because it feeds his soul to be out on the road with people and interacting and meeting people,” Herbstreit told reporters last month, according to Awful Announcing. “His tail is constantly wagging and just goes up. So I think how interactive he is.”
