ESPN’s Adam Schefter shared a heartfelt message on social media mourning the loss of his beloved 15-year-old labradoodle, Benny, who passed away early Wednesday morning. Benny had been battling multiple health issues, including liver cancer and other complications, yet defied the odds for nearly a year before peacefully passing in his sleep.
Schefter revealed that the family had planned to say their goodbyes to Benny with a scheduled euthanasia appointment later that morning. Instead, Benny’s passing overnight brought both sorrow and a sense of relief that he went on his own terms.
Benny’s Health Struggles and Resilience
Benny was first diagnosed with cancer several years ago, leading to the removal of one of his kidneys. In February of last year, his health took a sharp downturn. After an ACL injury, doctors discovered Benny had liver cancer that had metastasized to his lungs, alongside other complications. He was given just two to three months to live.
Despite the grim prognosis, Benny demonstrated incredible resilience, living nearly a year longer than expected. Schefter chronicled Benny’s journey with admiration, sharing how he cherished every extra month.
“From the moment we were told that Benny had two to three months to live, I counted each time we passed the 23rd day of a month as another win for Benny,” Schefter wrote. “He stacked up wins when they weren’t expected, in July and August and September, until he got to another winter he wasn’t supposed to.”
One particularly cherished memory came in late September when Benny, still full of spirit, managed to swipe a slice of pizza from Schefter’s daughter. Schefter shared a video of the moment, marveling at Benny’s energy and determination despite his declining health.
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A Family Member and Loyal Companion
Benny was much more than a pet to the Schefter family. Adam, his wife, and their four children often referred to Benny as “the best boy.” The family’s life revolves around their five labradoodles—Ella, Bailey, Apple, Brady, and Benny—but Benny held a special place in their hearts.
“He wasn’t a good boy; he was the best boy,” Schefter wrote. “Benny never bit anyone, never attacked one of our other dogs when they attacked him. He was such a gentle boy.”
Though Benny was a source of unconditional love and joy, his life was not without mischief. Schefter fondly recalled a moment from Benny’s puppy days when he jumped out of a moving car to chase a pit bull, prompting his wife to chase him down.
Saying Goodbye
Schefter described the profound sadness of knowing Benny’s time was nearing its end. The family spent Monday and Tuesday leading up to the appointment showering Benny with love, tears, and goodbyes.
“We had planned to put down our beloved Benny,” Schefter said. “He could barely stand anymore and had stopped eating. But when we woke this morning for the day we dreaded, Benny was gone. He died in his sleep. We are in shock.”
Remembering Benny with Mort
In his tribute, Schefter also reflected on a conversation he had with his late ESPN colleague Chris Mortensen. Mortensen, who passed away last year, was one of the few friends Schefter confided in about Benny’s declining health.
“My last conversation with Mort was all about Benny. Now, both are gone,” Schefter wrote, underscoring how deeply his pet’s loss connected with other significant moments in his life.
A Shared Loss in the ESPN Family
Schefter’s grief mirrors that of fellow ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, who also lost his 10-year-old golden retriever in November after a battle with leukemia. Both tributes underscore the deep bonds formed with pets and the irreplaceable role they play in our lives.
Honoring Benny’s Legacy
As Schefter and his family navigate life without Benny, they continue to celebrate his legacy. From his playful antics to his extraordinary resilience in the face of illness, Benny’s memory will remain a cherished part of the Schefter family’s story.
“Our life revolves around our family, our dogs, and, for better or worse, my work,” Schefter concluded. “But unlike our family or my work, dogs never give us any aggravation—only love and loyalty. Benny was one of our five labradoodles, but he truly was one of one.”
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