Kirk Herbstreit Seeks Prayers as Dog’s Health Gets ‘Worse’
Renowned ESPN college football analyst, Kirk Herbstreit, has shared a heartbreaking update on the health of his beloved golden retriever, Ben, requesting prayers as the dog’s health gets “worse.”
In a recent Instagram post, Herbstreit revealed that the health condition of the 10-year-old dog, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2023 has taken turn for the worse.
Despite undergoing surgery in July 2023 to remove cancerous masses from his spleen and intestine, Herbstreit shared the disease has progressed, requiring the dog to receive a second round of chemotherapy. However, his condition has deteriorated significantly, with Ben experiencing paralysis in his hind legs and a loss of appetite.
“I’ve had so many people asking me about Ben that I wanted to let you know,” the Instagram post reads. “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.”
Herbstreit stated that he has sought the expertise of a holistic veterinarian in Pennsylvania, who is administering a three-day vitamin C IV treatment to potentially detoxify Ben’s body. He also added that he would be revealing the dog’s prognosis in the next 24-48 hours.
The ESPN analyst expressed his deep affection for Ben, describing him as his “best friend and companion.” He also acknowledged the outpouring of support from fans and followers, who have been concerned about Ben’s absence from recent GameDay broadcasts.
Herbstreit further requested prayers for Ben’s recovery, stating, “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.”
Herbstreit’s heartfelt plea has garnered immense support from the sports community and beyond. Fans have expressed their concern and offered prayers for Ben’s recovery.
“Ben is the highlight to every Saturday. No matter what I get so excited and he brings the biggest smile to my face. It isn’t fair dogs can’t outlive humans. All the hugs and prayers for Benny. The world loves you,” one user wrote.
“My thoughts and prayers are with you, Ben and the rest of your family. He is the highlight of my Saturday mornings during college football. He is such a special pup and I pray he gets better,” another user added.
One person wrote, “Prayers to Ben and all the Herbstreits. Having had a dog that went through chemo, it was a blessing at giving them a good QOL until the cancer overcomes it. It’s never easy. My heart goes out to your family. And thank you for sharing him with all of us. It’s been a blessing.”
Herbstreit and Ben have become a dynamic duo in the world of sports broadcasting. As Herbstreit travels the country for ESPN’s “College GameDay” and other high-profile events, Ben is always by his side. The adorable pup has captured the hearts of fans, who eagerly await his appearances.
The concern and inquiring about Ben’s whereabouts began when as quite unusual he was noticeably absent from ESPN’s College GameDay before Week 10.
In 2023, Herbstreit shared that Ben has officially become a certified emotional support animal. Despite the dogs health challenges, Herbstreit continues to travel with Ben. He believes that 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 according to Awful Announcing. “His tail is constantly wagging and just goes up. So I think how interactive he is.”
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