ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit shared a heartbreaking update on the health of his beloved service dog Ben this week.

“I’ve had so many people ask me about Ben that I wanted to let you know – Ben had a second chemo shot on October 23rd and from that day on he got progressively worse,” Herbstreit wrote on the social media on November 4th Media.

“He can no longer move his hind legs – almost as if they were paralyzed. He can barely walk. He hasn’t eaten in three days,” he continued. “I’m currently in Pennsylvania seeing a holistic doctor who is giving him intravenous vitamin C for three days in hopes that it will flush the (toxins) out of his body and give him a fighting chance. The next 24 to 48 hours will tell us whether he has a chance or not.”

Ben continued to accompany Herbstreit College game day for two years – with appearances on the field and even in the broadcast booth. Athletic departments across the country began giving the friendly pup special qualifications to carry. And even as he battled leukemia, Ben’s tail continued to wag.

Herbstreit thanked fans for their support in the golden retriever’s fight against cancer.

“I am so grateful for ALL the love that so many have shown him over the last few years. “One of the hardest things I’ve been through in my life,” Herbstreit wrote.

“Ben is my best friend and companion. “I love him with all my heart,” he continued. “If you’re a spiritual person, I’d love for you to pray for my boy.” He’s currently in the emergency room overnight and I’m picking him up tomorrow for another round of vitamin C. Please pray for Ben and hope he gets through this.”

Update:

After publishing this story on November 6th, Herbstreit took to social media on November 7th to share the update that no one wanted to see.

“We found out today that the cancer had spread to Ben’s organs and there was nothing we could do – we had to let him go.”

He continued: “I’ve had dogs all my life but Ben was one on one. He was smart, loving, gentle, patient, curious and hospitable to everyone. Always a big smile and a gentle wag of the tail. He and I were able to communicate…he and I understood each other and had each other’s backs.”

Herbstreit ended his post by saying, “God bless his majestic soul and thank you for bringing him into my life over the last 10 years – a true blessing.”