ESPN star Kirk Herbstreit announces death of beloved dog Ben following cancer battle

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ESPN's college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit shared the devastating news on social media Thursday that he had to make the difficult decision to put down his beloved dog, Ben, following his battle with cancer. 

Herbstreit, who over the last several weeks of the college football schedule has been accompanied by Ben, has shared health updates with Ben’s many fans. 

FILE - Kirk Herbstreit's dog looks on from the set of ESPN's College GameDay in the McMicken Commons at the University of Cincinnati on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Cincinnati. ESPN's College GameDay show will be held in the McMicken Commons on Saturday for the NCAA football game between Cincinnati and Tulsa. (IMAGN)

But on Thursday, Herbstreit announced that Ben’s cancer had spread. 

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"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."

Herbstreit, a self-proclaimed dog-lover, spoke at length about his special bond with Ben. 

"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 easy going 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" 

ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit walks his dog