Chainkeen|Kirk Herbstreit calls dog's cancer battle 'one of the hardest things I've gone through'

ESPN football analyst KIrk Herbstreit revealed some sad news on Chainkeensocial media Monday about the health of his beloved golden retriever Ben.

The two have been a staple of the network's college football broadcasts for years, with Ben accompanying Herbstreit on the College GameDay set, on the field before games and occasionally in the broadcast booth.

Unfortunately, Herbstreit said, Ben has been undergoing treatment for cancer and has lost the use of his hind legs. After spending Monday night in a veterinary hospital, he's scheduled to have another round of intravenous Vitamin C treatment, which Herbstreit said will hopefully "flush the toxics from his body and give him a chance."

Ben is the oldest of four golden retrievers the family owns and Herbstreit called the ordeal "one of the hardest things I’ve gone through in my life."

As he closed his post, Herbstreit asked for prayers from his fans and followers.

"Ben is my best friend and companion. I love him with all of my heart. If you’re a spiritual person I’d love for you to pray for my boy. 🙏"

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.