Kirk Herbstreit says new dog Peter is ‘making himself right at home’ after golden retriever Ben’s death
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: ESPN analyst and former college football standout Kirk Herbstreit has a new addition to his family, a puppy named Peter, who is bringing him joy and helping to ease the loss of his cherished golden retriever, Ben.
The 55-year-old introduced his colleagues and fans to his young pup, Peter, on Saturday, November 16. The dog is currently accompanying him as his travel buddy on the road.
Kirk Herbstreit's new dog Peter accompanies him to work
Earlier this week, Kirk Herbstreit informed his followers on X (previously known as Twitter) that Peter would be accompanying him to work and they would "see how he does". He also shared that Peter had been undergoing training with Ben and his two other dogs since becoming part of Herbstreit's family in December.
Yes Peter is with me this week. See how he does. 🤞🏼 https://t.co/6F86Rx2FzO
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) November 14, 2024
According to Sports Illustrated, the dogs all originated from a single breeder located in New Jersey.
"Here he is today getting ready for the game," the analyst posted a snapshot of the dog in Philadelphia on November 14. "Took him over to the 'Rocky Steps!' "
He has been in training (with Ben and the other 2 boys) since he moved into the house last December. Here he is today getting ready for the game. Took him over to the “Rocky Steps”! https://t.co/Cmnvki8dnE pic.twitter.com/xOrfC88HV9
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) November 14, 2024
While in Athens, Georgia, on Saturday, Herbstreit's puppy had the chance to spend time with some new friends, including another dog.
On Instagram, the analyst posted a video of Peter wagging his tail, with his paws on the 'College GameDay' table, greeting some of Herbstreit's colleagues.
"Making himself right at home 🤣🤣🤣," Herbstreit captioned the post.
View this post on Instagram
During the show, Peter had the opportunity to greet a renowned canine peer, as depicted in a video circulating on X (formerly known as Twitter), where he is seen sniffing Uga, the University of Georgia's Bulldog mascot. He seemed to enjoy wandering and sniffing around the set as Herbstreit handled his duties.
Come for Coach Corso picking the Dawgs, stay for @KirkHerbstreit's dog, Peter, trying to play with Uga 🐶😅 pic.twitter.com/twRLGUzSkX
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) November 16, 2024
Peter's TV debut follows Kirk Herbstreit's tribute to late dog Ben
Peter made his television appearance shortly after Kirk Herbstreit announced the death of his dog Ben on Thursday, November 7, and subsequently paid homage to him during the prelude to the LSU-Alabama football game on Saturday, November 9.
In the footage that ESPN released, Herbstreit mentioned that he “first started bringing Ben on the road” as he needed support, so he sought a "travel companion" and being with the dog gave him a sense of being "at home".
“He made everyone happy, and he did it without even trying,” the ESPN personality said. “He’d just wag that tail or nestle up against strangers like they were family, and that’s what they became.”
Herbstreit said Ben felt "everyone deserved his love," adding that a dog's "only flaw as a species is that they don’t live long enough but the warmth they give us, that never goes away".
"So neither will Ben,” he added. “This man’s best friend who became America’s best friend.”
Two days before that, Herbstreit, who has four sons with his wife Alison, shared a touching Instagram post revealing that his family had faced the tough choice to "let [Ben] go" upon learning that the pet's cancer had metastasized to his organs.
View this post on Instagram
"I've had dogs my whole life, but Ben was 1 on 1. 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," Herbstreit captioned the post.
He added, "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 easygoing companion."
"Hard day — but he will live within all of us forever," he concluded his message. "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. 🙏🏼."
Fans shower Peter with love as he fills Ben's paws
Soon after Kirk Herbstreit posted images and videos of his puppy Peter on X, fans inundated the post with affectionate comments, expressing their love for Herbstreit's new furry friend and reminiscing about Ben.
A user said, "He's making you and Ben so very proud."
Another added, "Sweet Peter! Stepping up to fill the shoes of his big bro, Ben. RIP BEN!. Peter is the man. Peter, needs a nap."
Sweet Peter! Stepping up to fill the shoes of his big bro, Ben. RIP BEN!. Peter is the man.
— Highland (@Highlandm_) November 17, 2024
Peter, needs a nap.
The third commentator remarked, "I've never seen a lovelier and more proud dog 10/10 ."
I've never seen a lovelier and more proud dog 10/10😂😍
— Scope360 (@Scope360Journal) November 17, 2024
"I can't stop marveling at him. He's too cool," a fan said.
I can't stop marveling at him. He's too cool😍😫
— SideStreetSociety (@sideSTsociety) November 17, 2024
A person said, "Pre-Game Pete sorta rolls off the tongue !!! I'm glad Pete is with us, as it helps keep Ben in our thoughts (football can get distracting at times) :)"
Pre-Game Pete sorta rolls off the tongue !!!
— IGI Media (@_IGI_Media_) November 17, 2024
I'm glad Pete is with us, as it helps keep Ben in our thoughts (football can get distracting at times) :)
Another chimed in, "He is beautiful. He looks likes he loves it! That is what it is all about!"
He is beautiful. He looks likes he loves it! That is what it is all about!
— Grandma Bunny (Karen Willis) (@Kwillis7315260) November 17, 2024
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