Blind Former USC Player Jake Olson Mourns Death of 'Beloved Guide Dog': 'A Bond Was Broken Today'

"A part of me died today along with the loss of my bestest friend I could have ever ask for," Olson said while revealing the sad news on Instagram

Former USC long snapper Jake Olson is mourning the loss of his beloved guide dog, Quebec.

On Wednesday, June 5, Olson, who played college football for the USC Trojans, shared a photo with his pup alongside a lengthy tribute message on Instagram. The sportsman, who was an inspiration to many when he made two game appearances in 2017, was born with retinoblastoma, which is a cancer of the retina.

"A bond was broken today that defies words. A part of me died today along with the loss of my bestest friend I could have ever ask for," Olson, who lost his left eye when he was 10 months old before having his right eye removed when he was 12 in 2009, wrote in the caption alongside a photo of himself on the pitch.

Related: Guide Dog Group Welcomes Their Largest Litter — 16 German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Puppies

"But apart of Quebec will always live on in my heart and life, along with all the lives he was able to touch," the American Canadian football offensive lineman continued. "In our 13 years together, Q graduated high school with me, college with me, traveled to 28 states with me, met a U.S. president, played in the Coliseum, ran on countless golf courses, and celebrated The best of times with me while enduring heartbreak with me."

USC Trojans also paid tribute to Quebec, sharing multiple photos alongside a message on Instagram on Thursday, June 6, which read, "#FightOnForever, Quebec ❤️💛 @jakeolson61’s beloved guide dog showed us all what true love and loyalty look like."

Related: Vanessa Bryant Cheers on USC Football with Daughter Natalia During Family Weekend

On his own social media post, Olson, 35, went into further detail about his special relationship with the late pup. "He met me as a 14-year-old kid and saw me to be a 27-year-old man. Every day he lived out his purpose to be my eyes," he wrote.

Olson added, "I couldn’t have asked God for a better, more devoted guide dog. He represented Jesus in the best of ways that he was here to serve, not to be served. That heart posture gave him 14 and a half years of life."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The former player said he knows "God made" his beloved dog for him. "Quebec was born November 6th 2009. I went blind on November 12th 2009. If you know anything about dogs, it’s that they are born blind and it takes about a week for a puppy’s eyes to open. I believe Q saw for the first time the day I lost my sight. Yes, God made him for me and allowed me to be with him for 12 years and 341 days," he wrote.

"Even though he is no longer physically with me, I once heard that, 'If you’re lucky enough to have known a great one, they never really leave. They stay with you as long as you live, Harness to your heart, giving their all.' And Q was that! To the true GOAT. You will always be loved and remembered. I love you so so so so much pup! 🦮 💛" Olson concluded.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.