Kirk Herbstreit's Emotional Tribute to Late Golden Retriever 'Ben' Had Fans Sobbing
Everyone was so heartbroken when ESPN football analyst Kirk Herbstreit announced the death of his beloved golden retriever, Ben.
Ben had become popular at college football stadiums as part of ESPN's "College GameDay." He would accompany his dad when he was on the road visiting hotel rooms, TV studios, stadiums, and on the field. He was a fan favorite who brought joy to so many people regardless of which team you were rooting for, and this tribute from College Game Day narrated by a brokenhearted Herbstreit is perfectly fitting for a pup who was named The Rose Bowl's Chief Happiness Officer. The touching video aired ahead of the LSU and Alabama football game on Saturday, Nov. 9.
Herbstreit says in the video, "Dogs are known as man's best friend. But what do you call a dog that becomes a nation's best friend? You call him, 'Ben.' I'll be honest with you, when I first started bringing Ben on the road, it was for me. I needed a travel companion. Hotel rooms can sometimes feel like islands of solitude. His warm presence became my anchor to home, making my journeys feel less like wandering and more like belonging."
People in the comments are so heartbroken over the loss of this dog that touched so many hearts. One person commented, "We’re going to miss you Ben, love you big guy. I hope my boy Major was there to welcome you home." Someone else added, "America's best friend! "The only flaw dogs have is, they don't live long enough." Very true words. RIP Ben and thank you Kirk for introducing us to Ben. He was simply amazing and an inspiration."
Herbstreit continued the voiceover in his touching video with, "What I experienced with Ben was that and so much more. A dog's only flaw as a species is they don't live long enough. But the warmth they give us, that never goes away. So neither will Ben. This man's best friend who became America's best friend."
The loss of a dog is always heartbreaking, and it's such a testament to this best boy that so many who never actually met him fell in love with him just from seeing him from a distance or on their TVs. The only saving grace is he's no longer suffering from any pain that his cancer caused him. Our hearts are just broken for everyone who knew and loved this special dog.
Herbstreit shares four sons with his wife Alison, and the family currently has three other golden retrievers, according to USA Today.
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