Washington, D.C. — President Joe Biden offered condolences to Kirk Herbstreit, the well-known college football analyst with ESPN, in a moving letter on the loss of his beloved dog, Ben. Given their developing friendship, the salutation-greyhound came to social media, said Herbstreit, weaving a short but tender personal story between the broadcaster and his dog with that shared experience of loving a pet.
The dog was loyal and truly loved football; being with Kirk for more than ten years, the golden retriever would be beside his master during broadcasts. The letter portrayed Ben as a consummate football fan, visibly excited to appear on set during games. President Biden, a known animal lover, can appreciate the grief of losing a pet.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Biden was quoted as saying of Ben. “Jill and I were very sad when we learned of his passing. The bond that you share with a dog is a bond no words can explain-a relationship like no other that you will live within your heart forever. Ben was much more than a family pet; he was loyal through various stages of your life, as integral to your family as any family member could be.”
The letter is a personal and poignant note where, in the words of pets such as Ben, the relationship with them is woven into the fabric of family life where comfort, companionship, and unconditional love come freely. Biden also added about his own experiences with his dogs when he emphasized how pets help through rough times.
Herbstreit, who has been a vocal animal advocate, tweeted the letter, thanking President Biden for his kind words. “It meant so much to me and my family,” Herbstreit wrote. “Ben was more than a dog — he was a friend and a member of our family. Thank you for this thoughtful tribute.”
Ben’s death has been so impactful on Herbstreit that fans and fellow workers are sending condolences to her. The President of the United States’s tribute is a reminder of how special our pets are in our lives and the depth of the grief felt when they are gone.
