Kirk Herbstreit and his beloved pal, ‘Ben’
Recently, here in Berkeley, the ESPN GameDay crew brought an exciting burst of energy to town, covering the Cal vs. Miami game—a first for our area and a huge deal for sports fans here. Kirk Herbstreit, the well-loved host of the show, was there with his loyal Golden Retriever companion, Ben, a beautiful dog who had been battling cancer for some time. Ben’s warm presence made the event even more special; it was heartwarming to see him right here in Berkeley. Tragically, only days after his visit, Ben lost his battle with cancer. Kirk Herbstreit tried to talk about it on air the next weekend but was too overcome with grief, struggling to hold back tears.
As a fellow dog owner, I understand deeply how Kirk Herbstreit felt. Like so many pet owners, I see my dog as more than just a pet—he’s a family member and a source of constant joy and comfort. Losing a pet like Ben, a companion who has shared so many moments and milestones with you, is gut-wrenching. The quiet that follows after the loss of a pet that’s also a life companion can feel almost unbearable. Each of us finds our way to cope with the loss of our pets, often by finding small ways to memorialize our pet’s life and honor their memory..
In my own work as a mosaic pet portrait artist here at Down to Earth Mosaics in Berkeley, I’ve come to see how art can be a powerful way to heal and remember the loss of a pet. It’s been a privilege to work with other pet owners who are navigating the same loss, creating lasting, personal tributes to their beloved animals. Art can be such a gentle and tangible way to keep a pet’s memory alive, allowing their spirit to remain part of our lives in a comforting, visible way.Why Pets Like Kirk Herbstreit’s Golden Retriever Ben Are So Deeply Missed
Having a tangible reminder of a deep bond helps healing
For those of us who share our lives with animals, we know they’re family. They listen to us without judgment, are there through thick and thin, and bring joy to our lives in the simplest ways—a warm nuzzle, a wagging tail, or even just sitting nearby. When they pass, it leaves a quiet emptiness and a daily routine that feels incomplete.
Kirk Herbstreit’s’s story of Ben touched so many because it’s a reminder of the loyalty and companionship our animals bring to us. Watching Kirk’s tribute, I felt a sense of connection—not only to him but to every pet owner who’s felt that profound love and loss. We were reminded that it’s okay to mourn our pets deeply and openly.
The Healing Power of Art and Memorials when Coping with the Loss of a Pet
Over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how creating a piece of art can help channel that grief into something that brings comfort and joy. My clients have told me how having a custom mosaic of their pet in their home has helped them through the hardest days. These mosaics become much more than art—they’re daily reminders of a special bond that will never fade.
Creating a Memorial to Honor a Pet That has Died
Each mosaic I create at Down to Earth Mosaics is as unique as the pet it celebrates. I work closely with each pet owner to capture colors, shapes, and symbols that reflect their pet’s personality. Some clients request lifelike portraits, while others prefer something more abstract that captures their pet’s spirit.These pieces serve as beautiful daily reminders of the connection we shared with our pets and the love that endures, even after they’re gone.
Creating a pet memorial is a personal, and sometimes deeply emotional, process. Some clients bring in photos, toys, or even collars to inspire the mosaic. We talk through memories, stories, and special moments, designing a piece that truly reflects the pet’s life.
For Kirk Herbstreit and others who loved Ben, a mosaic could capture memories that go beyond words—the energy of ESPN GameDay, Ben’s loyalty on the sidelines, the colors of the football field. A mosaic allows you to remember those touches every day, a comforting way to keep saying, “I love you” long after they’ve left.
Why a Lasting Tribute Matters in Grieving the Death of a Pet
Art for a final resting place serves as beautiful tribute
In times of loss, it’s natural to want to keep our pet’s memory close. A mosaic pet portrait can offer a way to do that. More enduring than a photograph, it captures your pet’s essence in materials—stone, tile, and glass—that stand the test of time. Each glance at a mosaic portrait allows a pet’s memory to come alive, connecting you to the special place they hold in your heart.
Using my mosaic artistry, it’s a privilege to help others create these meaningful tributes. Each custom mosaic is crafted with care and understanding, helping to bridge the gap between loss and remembrance. It’s a way to transform pain into something lasting and beautiful, a daily reminder of the love we carry with us.
Honoring, Healing, and Finding Resilience After the Loss of a Beloved Pet
Losing a pet is one of the hardest parts of sharing our lives with animals. That’s why each piece I make is done with a deep sense of empathy. Whether you’re remembering a loyal dog like Ben, a mischievous cat, or any other beloved companion, a mosaic can be a way to bring healing and warmth into your life. It transforms raw grief into something beautiful, reminding us that love continues, even when our pets are no longer physically with us.
If you’re in Berkeley or beyond and are considering a custom mosaic portrait to honor your pet, I’d love to work with you at Down to Earth Mosaics. Together, we can create a piece that captures the spirit of your companion, celebrating their unique personality and the memories you shared.
Let’s honor our pets like Ben, who fill our lives with love, loyalty, and moments of pure joy. In a world that moves fast, we can take a moment to cherish these beautiful souls who make our lives richer and our hearts fuller.
Click here to view my mosaic gallery, or here to explore the rich history of how dogs, art, and humans have been beautifully intertwined over time.