Nick Saban’s daughter is a die-hard Crimson fan, grooving to “She’s an Alabama girl” over the years, but on Saturday, Kristen traveled 218 miles to Athens for the SEC showdown featuring Georgia vs Ole Miss. A bit unexpected, right? It’s one of this weekend’s five games between AP top 25-ranked opponents. But she has another pretty wholesome reason.

To all the dog-lovers whose hearts melt when they see a pup. Count Kristen in the camp as well. If there’s one thing she and Kirk Herbstreit adore as much as football, it’s their furry friends. Since College GameDay is in Athens, the analyst is present with his companion. Kristen Saban seemingly traveled more than two hundred miles to meet the 56-year-old’s golden retriever. “This is the only reason why I’m in Athens, obviously,” she captioned her Instagram story.

Remember how Kirk Herbstreit faced backlash over playing with his dog at a hotel in Cincinnati on Wednesday? Peter, the golden fur baby, seemed jolly and content as he played with Kirk. Peter’s appearance on the sets has become a common sight, one that gives another wholesome reason for the viewers to tune in to GameDay.

It wasn’t the first time Herbstreit’s furry companion stole Nick Saban’s daughter’s attention. Last year, at the Alabama vs Georgia matchup, the analyst brought along Ben (who unfortunately passed away in November) to GameDay. Kristen was brimming with joy, swooning over him as he wagged his tail merrily. “The only dawg I want to see today,” she had captioned. A subtle jab at the Bulldogs, but all smiles for Ben. “Will never get over snuggling with floofy Ben,” she captioned the post.

Unfortunately, the doggo passed away last year to leukemia, a type of cancer that reduces the body’s ability to fight infections, affecting the bone marrow. Even after taking chemotherapy injections, his condition deteriorated to the point that he couldn’t even walk. He soon passed away, leaving the fans heartbroken. Kristen, who had become very fond of him, was heartbroken. “Rest easy, good boy Ben. America’s favorite gameday dog. Praying for you and your family @kirkherbstreit,” she grieved.

Kirk Herbstreit was dealing with loss, “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 had shared. Of the four dogs in the Herbstreit family, Ben was the eldest, and Peter the youngest.

Even Kristen faced similar grief last year.

Kristen and her love for furballs

Last year, Kristen lost her first pet dog, Gunner, “Goodbye to my first baby,” she had written. The love for dogs runs in the Saban family. For 14 years, he was her constant companion. “I had to say goodbye to my first baby yesterday after 14 years of the most magical companionship, Kristen wrote after he passed away. “If you knew Gunner, you loved him as much as I did.” She further poured out her heart.

“He was my little light of joy that I connected with from the moment I saw him. All dogs go to heaven, and I’m so thankful for the time spent together, a lot of it in my arms. I couldn’t have asked for a better pup. I’ll miss you forever, Gunnies.” Love for these furry buddies runs deeper in the Saban family. The family dog, Ray Ray, and Gunner both enjoyed each other’s company. But in 2023, the Saban abode lost one of its precious members. Ray Ray passed away, with the family providing confirmation in October. In his loving memory, the Sabans adopted Abby.

“We’ve gone through some really, really gruesome times the last few weeks with our dogs.” Saban continued, per Touchdown Alabama, “We finally got a new dog, Abby. We are very, very thankful that Miss Terry has something at home she can love.” As love for dogs is part of the Saban blood, it was understandable why Kristen Saban was only interested in Kirk Herbstreit’s companion during the College GameDay.