Jennifer Garner is grappling with another heartbreaking loss, bidding farewell to her beloved dog Birdie just months after losing her father. The actress shared the news of Birdie’s passing in an emotional Instagram post the day before Thanksgiving, calling her furry companion “the world’s best dog.”
“It is hard to know how to write this—it seems nuts, given the world, to mourn a pet, but since we have shared Birdie with all of you, it only seems fair to let you know of her passing,” Jennifer wrote. She revealed that Birdie had fallen gravely ill on Thursday, and a visit to the vet confirmed her time had come.
Jennifer expressed her gratitude for Birdie’s timing, noting that her dog seemed to hold on long enough for one of her children to return home from college. This gave the family a chance to spend their final moments together, stroking Birdie’s soft ears and thanking her for the love she had given them.
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For Jennifer, Birdie was more than just a pet; she was a cherished member of the family. The golden retriever, who loved being read to, had frequently appeared in Jennifer’s popular Instagram series, Pretend Cooking Show, and was also a therapy dog, bringing comfort to many.
“She lived a happy dog life and is now in the role she was born to play: angel girl,” Jennifer shared, along with photos and videos of their time together. In one clip, Jennifer read William Steig’s Pete’s a Pizza to Birdie, both wearing reading glasses. In another, she sang to Birdie, using the dog’s paws to playfully “dance” along.
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Jennifer’s heartfelt post struck a chord with her followers, drawing condolences from friends and celebrities alike. Tracee Ellis Ross commented, “These furry beings bring so much goodness,” while Jennifer Aniston added, “Oh Jen… I’m so sorry. Sending so much love.” Chef Ina Garten wrote, “Oh Jennifer, I’m heartbroken for you!!! She was the best buddy and always up for an adventure with all of you. Sending my love to you and the kids. I’m so glad they’re home with you now. Birdie will be eating turkey in heaven.”
Amid her grief, Jennifer found solace in her family and community. On Thanksgiving, she joined her ex-husband Ben Affleck and their children to volunteer at the Midnight Mission in Los Angeles, serving 2,000 homeless and near-homeless individuals during the organization’s annual Thanksgiving brunch.
Jennifer, dressed casually in a navy sweater with her hair in a ponytail, worked alongside Ben, who wore a brown button-down shirt. The two remained close to their children throughout the event, sharing warm family moments. This Thanksgiving also marked Ben’s first without his estranged wife, Jennifer Lopez.
The bittersweet holiday came during a challenging year for Jennifer, who lost her father, William “Billy Jack” Garner, in April. She announced his passing on Instagram with a heartfelt tribute, sharing a collection of touching father-daughter moments that spanned decades—from her childhood to recent family gatherings.
“My dad passed peacefully Saturday afternoon. We were with him, singing Amazing Grace as he left us,” Jennifer wrote in her post. “While there is no tragedy in the death of an 85-year-old man who lived a healthy, wonderful life, I know grief is unavoidable. Today is for gratitude.”
Jennifer highlighted her father’s unwavering love for his family, his role as a devoted husband to her mother Patricia for 59 years, and his patience and care as a father to her and her sisters, Susannah and Melissa. She also expressed her gratitude to the medical teams at Charleston Area Medical Center and City of Hope for providing her father with exceptional care.
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Raised as one of three daughters in Charleston, West Virginia, Jennifer described her childhood as peaceful, shaped by her mother, a schoolteacher, and her father, a chemical engineer for Union Carbide. William’s adventurous spirit left a lasting impression on his daughters, teaching them resilience and the value of home.
In a past interview, Jennifer fondly referred to her father as “Billy Jack,” a nod to his Texan roots. She spoke of his wisdom, adventurous nature, and the profound impact he had on her life. “My dad is—he’s so great,” she once remarked.
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Jennifer’s social media has long been a testament to her love for her family. In September, she shared a carousel of images from a family visit to Charleston, including a photo of her father with a 1948 Studebaker Champion she gifted him as an early birthday present.
In a birthday tribute the previous year, Jennifer detailed her father’s life milestones, calling him “the OG Girl Dad—the best Granddad out there, the ultimate problem solver, and world-class hugger.” She added, “We are so proud to be yours, Dad. We celebrate you every day and love you.”
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Through her tributes to Birdie and her father, Jennifer has shown strength and resilience during a difficult year. Whether honoring her dog, reminiscing about her father, or helping her community, she has found comfort in love, gratitude, and connection, proving that even in grief, there is room for hope and healing.