The ESPN commentator shared that he and the dog "could communicate" in a heartfelt tribute shared to social media on Nov. 7 Kirk Herbstreit/Instagram Kirk Herbstreit with his golden retriever dog, Ben. Kirk Herbstreit has lost a beloved member of his family.

Kirk Herbstreit announces the death of his beloved dog, Ben, who went viral as the ESPN analyst's on-screen companion. In his Instagram tribute, Kirk shares that the golden retriever died on Thursday after a battle with cancer.

ESPN sportscaster Kirk Herbstreit and his dog Ben watch warmups before the game at Kyle Field on October 26, 2024 in College Station, Texas. Kirk Herbstreit is hoping his dog Ben pulls through after the golden retriever, who frequently appears on Herbstreit's TV broadcasts and social media, has lost the ability to walk amid its cancer battle.